April 2020 has the least number of HDB resale flats transacted in history. However with buyers and sellers alike having to adapt to safe distancing restrictions, virtual home tour may be on the rise.
How Are Property Buyers and Sellers Adjusting to the Circuit Breaker Measures?
1. Virtual property viewings
With the circuit breaker measures, virtual tours have become a safe and simple option for buyers to find a home. Director of the Institute of Real Estate and Urban Studies at National University of Singapore, Sien Tien Foo, highlighted that Singaporean buyers are already used to buying houses through virtual viewings, particularly for new developments that are still under construction.
2. Seamless and focused communication
Ohmyhome’s West Team Leader Babu Kandasamy successfully sold resale units in April 2020 despite the tight restrictions. “Communication is key to building trust with potential buyers in a time when face-to-face interactions are not possible. It is important to understand the needs of the buyer and I do my best to work together with them to solve their problems,” said Mr. Kandasamy.
Home sellers can make virtual viewings more interactive by highlighting specific features that match buyer needs.
3. High-quality images and timely information
When doing virtual tours and online property transactions, it’s crucial to provide clear and sufficient information. High-resolution photos and detailed property listings ensure that potential buyers get as close to a full house tour experience as possible. When conducting video calls, landscape formats are preferred over portrait modes, which tend to make homes appear more cramped on screen.
Also, sellers should be ready to address questions promptly via video conference, phone call, chat, or email. The same should hold true for buyers. Both parties should answer messages to secure a potential deal quickly.
The best part? There’s a platform that allows you to do all of these things.
Ohmyhome app allows you to start your own virtual home tour or browse virtual tours!
