The effects of COVID 19 are slowly being felt in the real estate sector. A lockdown means conveyancers may not be in a position to meet with their clients. The excerpt below discusses how conveyancers can stay afloat during this season.

Provide Online Services

Most conveyancing services can be provided from the comfort of your home. This includes: 

• Conducting due diligence to identify property details, such as the title number and registration details. You can also check the presence of land contamination if the property sits on a minefield or riparian zone.
• Accessing vital documents such as pre-purchase strata reports, owners association by-laws and zoning regulation reports online.
• Handling mortgages. Some banks do not need you to visit their premises to organise financing for your clients. You can send documents via email or through their portal, and they will send a loan approval letter.
• Drafting and fine-tuning the contract of sale. The seller's solicitor will prepare the contract, and you could ask for adjustments to ensure your client's interests are well-protected.
• Holding meetings with your client and the other parties through video conference. The seller's conveyancer can update you on property repairs and any concerns the seller might have.

Managing Meetings

Some clients would want to bring friends or relatives to your office or property inspection. Remember, social distancing is one of the best ways to prevent the virus from spreading. As such, you could ask them to come alone or with one person. Carry a mask, gloves and some sanitizer as you go for the property inspection. As much as you can, avoid physical contact with clients and other professionals. As a rule, remind your client to disinfect the property after purchase. 

Plan For The Future 

Slowed business operations are an opportunity to market and grow your business. Prospective clients will be spending a lot of time at home. As such, your social media pages must be vibrant. Write exciting and relevant content. For instance, you could advise clients on some DIY home improvement projects they can consider during the lockdown. You could also write newsletters and website content which you can use later in the year. Free time is also an opportunity to conduct some research on conveyancing trends that may help improve your practice. 

COVID 19 brings its own set of challenges. As such, conveyancers must find suitable ways to adapt to the situation. Provide online services, limit personal contact during house visits and use spare time to market your business.