With residential real estate agents given the green light to re-open their doors on 1 June, Pam Golding Properties has already been hard at work behind the scenes, getting the entire business into a state of readiness in order to comply with the health and safety protocols specific to real estate as set out by the Minister, says Dr Andrew Golding, chief executive of the Pam Golding Property group.
Says Dr Golding: “All Pam Golding Properties offices nationally will be fully compliant and ready to implement these measures from 1 June, with all protocols being clearly communicated to our managers, agents and importantly, our buyers and sellers, landlords and tenants.
“In terms of viewings of homes for sale, we will continue to make use of our high-quality virtual tours and iShow days, as well as other technological innovations, which we have found so successful during the lockdown period to date. However, where a buyer wants to physically view the property, we will make the necessary arrangements and again follow the strict protocol guidelines as set out by the authorities. In fact, we aim to exceed he required safety measures to ensure there are no health risks to our agents, staff and clients alike.
“During the lockdown period to date we have been extremely proactive in facilitating property transactions on behalf of sellers and buyers, up to the point of being subject to physical viewing. Now that the Deeds Offices are open and conveyancers are able to carry out the final processing of transactions, this frees up funds for sellers – especially those who are financially distressed – in order that they can move on with their lives.
Surprising number of sales concluded during lockdown
“Positively, we have been receiving numerous enquiries for properties to purchase, with a surprising number of sales concluded during the lockdown period – with some subject to viewing and others without suspensive conditions ie purchased ‘sight unseen’.
“Buyer and seller leads have steadily increased since the beginning of lockdown, a factor which is largely due to the way in which we as a company and the consumer have adapted to the new online world of real estate. While providing a convenient and streamlined process, this in no way detracts from the value which our estate agents bring to the table in terms of specialised area knowledge and negotiating skills, in successfully concluding property transactions.”
Adds Dr Golding: “It is extremely positive that the real estate industry is to be fully operational again from next month (1 June), as this sector makes a meaningful contribution to the country’s economic activity, taxes and employment, while home ownership is an aspirational imperative for many, providing security of tenure and a nest egg for the future. In addition, estate agents are largely dependent on commission-based income for their survival, while a host of other related sectors including financial institutions, mortgage originators, conveyances, construction and engineering, among others, directly and indirectly derive income and employment.”
For further information regarding Pam Golding Properties iShow viewings and virtual show days visit our Facebook pages or email headoffice@pamgolding.co.za.