Business as usual, Just done differently.

Real Estate is considered an Essential Service, as confirmed by the REIV.

On a personal level, I don't know how to respond about the gravity of what is happening around the world, other than to advise you to stay safe. 
 
As an employer and business owner, I have a duty of care to my staff, landlords, tenants and tradespeople.  So due to the nature of our business we have had to implement extra risk management procedures, to protect us all.
 
Technology that I have implemented over the past 2 years is going to help our office considerably, to deliver the same service, should Australia go into lockdown.
All of our systems are cloud based, which allows us all to work from anywhere, as normal. [It was so much work at the time to implement this system, but I am so glad we did.]
 
6 months ago, the office decided to go cashless, to make it easier for tenants to pay rent by direct debit, from home or phone.
 
Tenant Portals: Advances in technology has allowed us to open our Tenant  Portals, a couple of months ago. This allows tenants to log onto our  system. From this portal they can report maintenance, upload photos from  their phone to report maintenance, that can be sent directly to  tradespeople. You can download their rent receipts, view lease documents  and track rental payments with a visual graph.
 
Website Online: Tenants have already had the ability to apply for properties, report maintenance, complete notices and email property managers, directly from our website www.horshamrealestate.com.au or their tenant portal using their phone, tablet or home computer.
 
Maintenance: We also wish to ensure our tradie’s safety as much as possible. We have set up electronic work orders and provide keys via a safe key lockbox, so there is minimal contact or chance of exposure.
 
Some staff have elected to work remotely, some have elected to continue coming into the office, but to keep them safe, the office will be closed to walk in traffic, it will be by appointment. 
 
We have expanded our office hours, in these unprecedented times, we are now contactable 24 hours / 7 days a week, by phone, email & text, should anyone have any concerns or tenants need assistance or advice.  We are aware many of our tenants reside alone. 
 
One on one inspections will continue, so we can show potential buyers and tenants properties, but with extra safety precautions. We have the ability to do online videos of properties for sale or rent, which will also minimise the need to hold larger ‘Open for Inspections”.
 
….and above all else, please give me a call if you have any concerns, I will personally jump on a call, I don’t care if it’s real estate related or not.  We all have families, concerns and responsibilities in these troubled times.
 
Please take care, 
 

Nola Brown
Horsham Real Estate

Mobile:   0418 504 855
www.horshamrealestate.com.au