Century 21 gets creative to beat lockdown restrictions

A Century 21 franchisee in New Zealand has explained how a little creativity has allowed her to operate despite the reintroduction of lockdown measures.

Many businesses were distraught when the country reintroduced the harsh measures in Auckland to stop Covid-19 spreading again, but Derryn Mayne, owner of estate agent and property franchise Century 21 New Zealand, has a more optimistic outlook. She offered her opinion on how real estate can still thrive despite the restrictions that are in place.

"We’ve operated safely and effectively in Alert Level 3 before, and Auckland’s real estate industry will do so again. \[People\] contemplating selling their houses should not be put off by this latest lockdown. While it restricts people’s activity, it also gives buyers more time to surf the net and contemplate their options.”

Derryn discussed how embracing quality online marketing strategies can allow real estate companies to continue trading, even if they cannot use traditional methods to buy and sell properties. Virtual tours, floor plans and video and drone footage can all be useful in showcasing a property to its full potential. Social media is also a vital tool, as it can allow potential buyers and sellers to easily share properties with high-quality images and videos.

The current restrictions in Auckland means that property auctions must accept online/phone bidding only, but private viewings and house moves can still take place by appointment. And thanks to modern technology, buyers and sellers have a host of options at their fingertips, including video calls and emails, to communicate with their real estate agent.

Derryn continued:

“Not only can buyers use this time wisely, but those looking to sell should also use this lockdown to prepare their property inside and out. As they say, don’t waste a lockdown! Property is holding up well and the time to act is now! There are plenty of families keen to move, empty nesters downsizing, first-home buyers securing record-low interest rates, and investors seeking better returns.”
You can find out more about Century 21’s franchise opportunity on its client page above.