The current Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation is taking us into unprecedented territory. We would like to take this opportunity to assure you that the well-being of our customers and employees remains our top priority.
We want to reassure all our customers that we are taking steps to make sure that business continues as normal, and that the service we deliver continues to be of the highest standard. As a company, we are following the guidelines and recommendations from the Government, and will continue to do so.
We are mindful that our customers will be at different stages in their respective transactions. For those that are already in progress, we would like to assure you that our investment in cloud-based technology means transactions can still move forward, and will be continually monitored during this time. We are available 24/7 via our Customer Portals, email, and phone, to ensure your transaction is managed as it would be normally.
Our agents are continuing to visit properties for valuations and viewings at this stage. As yet, we haven’t had any cases of reported Coronavirus from staff or customers, or any reported incidents, but as always, we continue to maintain the highest possible service and hygiene standards. As a precautionary measure, our employees are taking extra steps to ensure the safety of all.
Prior to booking an appointment, clients should not be surprised if they are asked the following:
“In order to make sure we keep everyone safe please can I ask you, have you or anyone in the property travelled overseas since the beginning of the year?”
“Have you been in contact with anyone who has been tested positive, or in the process of being tested for the virus?”
In addition to this, if an appointment is booked, clients should not be surprised to receive a message similar to the following, along with their appointment confirmation:
“CORONAVIRUS: In order to take appropriate health precautions, please can you inform us at least one working day in advance of the visit if anyone at the property has returned from an area of risk (as categorised by the Government) in the last 14 days, or whether anyone at the property feels they have been exposed in any way to the virus and are showing symptoms such as a high temperature and a new, continuous cough.”
On any appointment our staff, and indeed any accompanied person, may refrain from shaking your hand, but will still greet you with a smile! Our staff will also be washing their hands on entering and leaving the property, and wiping down any door handles as they leave. If you are selling or letting and would prefer to carry out viewings yourself, without a Payne Associates agent, please let us know.
It may be the case that we can record a video tour of your property, so we not only reduce the risk of infection, but also reach a large audience with virtual viewings. Ask your local branch about what we can offer you to showcase your property online.
We will continue to share Government and NHS recommendations with our staff relating to face to face interactions, and will adopt our processes according to government advice. You can find up to date information about the current situation in the UK, and advice from the government, via the following website: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
Our job is to hope for the best, but plan for the unexpected – and that is what we are doing. We also have contingency plans in place should the situation worsen. People will always need to move and we’re here to help all our customers whether buying, renting, selling or letting in Coventry.
Stay safe.