As we approach the winter time, current governments may be subject to change, however we have adopted a common sense approach to manage the risks appropriately. We want to support the safety of all our tenants, landlords, contractors, vendors and buyers in all aspects of their property transactions. Our deepest sympathies go out to the individuals who have been affected by this virus and we pledge our continued support to frontline and key workers during this time period. (As with the first lockdown in March 2020 I assisted the two local hospitals in securing and managing short term relief accommodation and this may become necessary in the immediate future.)
At Ford & Partners we support the decision to allow the vital processes of ‘homemoving’ to continue as long as we all can remain safe. The second half of 2020 saw an increased desire for people to move into and around the local area and we are looking after a lot of people who have already started planning for an imminent move. The team at Ford & Partners are very committed to ensure this continues as planned and reassure our client base that we have processes and systems in place to make that happen. From virtual meeting rooms, panoramic virtual tours, Covid-Secure viewings, web/email based paperwork as well as smartphone app based property management.
As an independent and progressive company, we have already adopted a number of processes to enable us to become Covid secure and ensure moving home remains possible during this environment. We are now in the position to offer prospective viewers web-based panoramic virtual tours on all our properties. Some of these links are already visible via the property portals Rightmove/Zoopla/On The Market and our own website. However, all enquiries as standard are offered the opportunity to view theses tours.
If subsequently you would like to visit the property, we can still facilitate viewings on the following basis if the property fits your main requirements. Firstly, please do not attend a viewing if you have Covid-19 or symptoms of Covid-19. Please also do not attend if you have been told to self-isolate or anyone in your household is self-isolating. If you are unsure please visit the NHS website.
Secondly, in line with current government guidance we can only accommodate two different households at a property (this includes a representative from Ford & Partners). We will ask our vendors, landlords and tenants to not be present during a viewing. For this to work we will ask you to not bring anyone who is not in your immediate household. If you would like anyone body else to view the property on your behalf this will need to be arranged on separate appointments. Please ensure you wear a mask and avoid touching any surfaces in a property. Our representative will open the property up and will be happy to accommodate reasonable requests.
We would love to talk to you if you have a property to sell or let as we have seen demand increase across all prices ranges in the last couple of months. To make things easy for you we are now in a position to offer instant online valuations online and happy to offer accurate valuations in person. We are also able to facilitate video conference meetings upon request. The same practical procedures apply as they would with viewings. We will ask you to confirm on the day if anyone is symptomatic or needs to self-isolate.
We use the latest technology to manage active tenancies. You many have noticed your Arthur APP now has a Covid-19 reporting function. Please update the app if you become symptomatic or need to self-isolate so that we can best respond to any maintenance issues and or safety concerns appropriately.
If you have any further questions, please contact us on 01494 840 600 to discuss. Equally for the full government guidance on home moving please visit gov.uk