This past few weeks has seen a lot of brand new, unexpected challenges that our broader community have had to face due to the Coronavirus.

The survival of any species on this planet has always relied on its ability to change and adapt to the changing environment, and adaptation is one of the greatest traits of human beings.

It’s important during these unprecedented, challenging times that we come together as a community and build a deeper mutual respect for each other, which may actually end up being one of the positive outcomes once we get through this pandemic.

During this current period of uncertainty, there’s an opportunity to both educate and adopt new ways of evolving the ways to do business more effectively and more efficiently, especially via the use of technology.

The number one priority must be… ‘A Safety First Approach’

I have done extensive research into what the recommendations are around COVID-19, what’s currently happening overseas to anticipate any further changes. Plus, I have spoken in depth to a General Manager within the cleaning industry who has been advising councils and companies on Coronavirus contingencies and risk assessment plans.

How Will Real Estate Be Affected?

There are a number of factors that are going to impact the way that the real estate industry operates and in anticipation of these changes we are adopting the necessary measures to ensure that we can continue to provide service excellence to our clients. in an effort to establish an evolving ‘business as usual’ approach.

In fact, there is now an opportunity for us to evolve and take our service delivery to another level across the acreage market.

As my friend, Tom Panos says after his numerous battles with cancer and the transformation it has made in his life, is…

Sometimes the best gifts are badly wrapped

In an announcement today, one of the latest technological improvements we’ve adopted here at McGrath is Auction Live Streaming. See today’s announcement below…

Yesterday, our company set out new guidelines via a CORONAVIRUS BUSINESS OPERATIONS UPDATE which outlines a planned approach to inspections and the processes we will be using whilst selling property during this current phase of the pandemic. Note: These operations may be subject to change.

Business as usual at open homes and inspections with added hygiene procedures

Our open homes will continue to be conducted with strict hygiene procedures in place right across our network, to help mitigate the spread of the virus, including:

Regularly cleaning hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand rub
Not shaking hands with colleagues, clients and open home visitors
Making sure where possible hand sanitiser is used at open homes and auctions
Giving “shared” pens a quick wipe down with the sanitiser
Washing and sanitising hands thoroughly after each property opening or inspection
Always washing hands with soap and water before eating and after visiting the bathroom
Covering their nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing, and disposing of used tissues immediately
Avoiding close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms
Seeing a health care professional if they are unwell and staying away from the workplace and other public places
Recording contact details of everyone entering a property. This is mandatory before entry
At all times be respectful of each other

Your agent may also be organising inspections by private appointment in order to reduce the number of people inspecting the property at the same time. This will vary by property and agent so please contact the sales agent directly about this. In addition, we will be displaying the following sign at our open homes:

COVID-19 NOTICE

If you are feeling unwell and experiencing any cold or flu-like symptoms we ask that you do not enter this property.

Please contact the real estate agent managing the property and we will organise a way for you to view our properties without coming on site.

It’s important if you are symptomatic or do not feel well that you maintain respect for the homeowners who are selling or leasing their properties and that you do not go on site and potentially increase the spread of any illnesses.

We thank you for your cooperation.

McGrath

For more information regarding, How we will run property auctions? and What individuals can do to prepare? , visit CORONAVIRUS BUSINESS OPERATIONS UPDATE

There are several other safety measures and innovative approaches that we will be adopting in the coming days & weeks to assist our acreage clients.

Whilst doing my research, I found this recent interview featuring a lady who had contracted Coronavirus and Dr Elizabeth Forsyth, Medical Registrar from the Gold Coast Hospital to be extremely helpful and very informative.

I hope you find it helpful too.

Whilst it’s not exactly business as usual, here at McGrath we are on the front foot and are taking advantage of this time to ensure that we continue to evolve to the next level of Competency, Confidence, Connectivity, Caring, Calculation and Calmness that these difficult times require from our clients and the broader community expect from leaders in their field.

If I can be of any assistance to you or if you have any questions regarding what’s the best approach for your situation in the current acreage market, don’t hesitate to get in contact with me.

Regards

Greg Vincent