Alert Level Three Seller

Selling your home, or thinking of selling? Alert Level Three changes the way we do things. It’s been a while since we have been here, so here are the answers to some of the most common questions from our vendors and upcoming clients.

Q. I’M CONSIDERING SELLING MY PROPERTY. IS THIS POSSIBLE DURING ALERT LEVEL THREE?

A. Yes, you can still put your property up for sale.

In the event that you decide to list your property, it is preferred that our agents create an online appraisal and update it when we’ve visited the property at alert level two. Changes may be made to the appraisal or disclosure statements when the alert level changes and we are able to physically review the property. Furthermore you may need professionals to visit your property such as photographers, property inspectors and valuers when it is safe to do so. If it’s not possible to do an online appraisal, our agents are allowed to your the property with your permission (and the tenant’s permission if the property is tenanted) to conduct an appraisal. However, in-person visits are subject to severe restrictions, demanding that particular health requirements and circumstances be met.

Q. MY PROPERTY IS PRESENTLY UP FOR SALE ON THE MARKET. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU HAVE?

A. During Alert Level Three, you won’t have the option to hold open homes in person but they can happen remotely. Alternative options such as a virtual open home are worth investigating.

One on one visits or viewings may only be undertaken in person in exceptional circumstances and only if remote processes are not possible. Any visit or viewing should be conducted under stringent health and safety guidelines.

If however you would prefer not to showcase your property during Alert Level Three, let your agent know. You may want to postpone the marketing. Generally, sellers pay the marketing costs in advance, and it could be that the vast majority of the budget has already been spent, for instance, Trade Me advertising might have been placed and paid for. Speak to us regarding what will befall any unspent costs in the event that you put your campaign on pause.

Q. THERE’S A CONDITIONAL OFFER ON MY HOME. HOW DOES THAT IMPACT THE SALE?

A. Your agreement will likely include a COVID clause stating what will happen in this scenario. Best to speak to your agent regarding your specific situation. During Alert Level Three, buyers may not have access to the services required to meet the conditions. For example, the council may not be able to provide the LIM and the real estate inspector may not be able to inspect the property. In addition, it may not meet the requested conditions of the buyer.

Q. WHAT IF THERE IS AN UNCONDITIONAL OFFER ON MY HOME?

A. At Alert Level Three, there is an expectation that all activity relating to property sales and settlements is carried out remotely wherever possible. There is quite likely a clause in your purchase and sale agreement that states how a settlement should be reached if the alert level changes. If you are unsure about this, speak to your agent.

During Alert Level Three, buyers can move house if they are moving or relocating home permanently and follow the government guidance. Only house-moving professionals and the buyer can move furniture and items from the house under Alert Level Three.

The following cases would allow settlement to take place during Alert Level Three:

• If people are planning to move between an Alert Level Three area and an area with a lower Alert Level.
• Moving companies can operate in an Alert Level Three area, but would need an exemption from MBIE to travel in or out of an Alert Level 3 area when that is allowed.
• Real estate agency work is permitted, subject to specific requirements.
  
• Private viewings of properties are possible in limited situations and under certain conditions.
• Pre-settlement inspections can take place under certain conditions.
• Property professionals (such as builders or engineers) can conduct inspections on the property if the inspection is a condition of the sale and purchase agreement or if the property is to be sold at auction.

Please note that the purchaser’s circumstance might change. If the buyer’s purchase is conditional on the sale of their home, they cannot resolve it in their transaction if they cannot physically move out of their home. Please consider the buyer’s situation and needs.

Q. I HAVE A FEW OTHER INQUIRIES, WHO CAN I ASK?

A. Please feel free to contact your agent directly. We all work remotely and are able to assist around-the-clock.