Although most home hunters with an existing property to sell will be familiar with the part exchange initiative, one developer has revised the scheme to help customers during lockdown.
New ways of offering part exchange in the current climate have been announced by Linden Homes Midlands; putting sellers in the driving seat when it comes to presenting their property to potential purchasers.
While the application process and legal elements of the scheme will continue as normal – albeit via telephone communication – sellers now have a bigger part to play in promoting their ‘for sale’ property; while adhering to the social distancing restrictions.
Linden Homes Midlands sales manager Hannah Dorner said: “We know that many people are still looking to move to a brand-new home later in the year, and are keen to sell their existing property through part exchange.
“However, while social distancing means that estate agents who would normally visit and assess the property cannot do so, we are giving the sellers themselves the chance to show case their home – using technology they have at their disposal – and provide the agents with photographs, videos and other information as part of the ‘virtual’ selling process.”
Will Archibald of Linden Homes Midlands’ partners; New Homes Group, has these tips for sellers in presenting their property as best they can:
- Stand in the doorway of each room to get a good perspective, move anything that is in the way or doesn’t look quite right (ie dog bed, paperwork on the dining room table, that pile of ironing!)
- Take a few shots to ensure you get some you are happy with – and try and feature as many rooms as possible.
- Check for clutter before taking and choosing your final selection.
- Don’t forget the garden, but move any bins, washing on the line or children’s toys out of the way.
- Use a good quality phone camera and take your time.
- Provide the agents with as much information as possible, use video or virtual tours if you feel confident enough.
- When it comes to external photo, historical images or Google Street views could also be used
- Use WhatsApp, FaceTime or Skype to submit your material.
Meanwhile, the Linden sales teams will work on the legal requirements of the part exchange process, and sellers can enjoy the scheme from the comfort of their own sofa, with benefits including:
- A guaranteed buyer for their property but without visits – aiming for the existing 4-6 weeks selling period.
- The promise of staying in their existing property until their new one is ready.
- No chain or agent fees.
- Potential of being offered other incentives.
Hannah added: “Once we have produced a property summary report and have a valuation based on all the information, we would normally invite the customer into the sales office to talk it through. However, we are currently doing this via video, giving the customer and the sales executive face to face contact to go through the report and talk through any questions.
“This not only makes the process as true to the original as we can but offers complete transparency. If the customer agrees, then the deal can be done there and then – just minus the handshake – and their new home is secured.”
-ENDS-
For further press information please contact Cetti Long at Media Matters on 01733 371363 or email cetti@mediamatters-pr.co.uk
