Virtual property viewings now in Nenagh
Nenagh auctioneers Sherry Fitzgerald Talbot are offering people an opportunity to view properties even while confined in Covid-19 lockdown.
For the last four weeks they have been trialling 'Virtual Viewing Fridays', during which prospective buyers and plain curious alike are shown around properties for sale from the comfort of their own homes. Part of a new service rolled out across the Sherry Fitz network, the viewings are run on the Zoom video conferencing app and can be watched on your home computer, laptop, tablet or smart phone.
William Talbot said the service has obvious uses and is gaining popularity in Nenagh. He has hosted more than a dozen virtual viewings so far and has more lined up. Last Friday saw five parties virtually viewing a property at Rathnaleen and three parties at Droim an Oir, Nenagh.
“It enables us to show people a property while they're sitting at home,” he said. “Of course people will still want to see it in the flesh but this is a novel idea and it's brilliant for people who have little time on their hands because it can be done in just 15 or 20 minutes.
“Going forward, I think this is something that will be used a lot more. It is very easy to use and the way technology is now you can even do this on your mobile phone.”
Mr Talbot said he recently sold a property in Terryglass, the first viewing of which was done virtually. He was one of the first local auctioneers to use Facebook Live for viewings, but finds Zoom “streets ahead” in terms of getting to know clients and helping them get to know the property they're after.
Videos are taken of the featured properties, some of them professionally, others by the Sherry Fitz staff or the vendors themselves. Mr Talbot or one of his staff will talk the viewers through the virtual tour of the property and that there is a chat box for questions.
And the local auctioneer reports that Nenagh's property business is quite healthy, with lots of interest in all types of dwellings despite caution in the market generally.
“There is movement at a local level,” Mr Talbot said. “We're certainly not at a standstill. We still have purchasers signing contracts. Purchasers who want to buy can still press ahead.”
He revealed that Sherry Fitzgerald Talbot agreed the sales of two properties in the last week.
“My day is still busy. I'm on my PC first thing in the morning and last thing in the evening. There is plenty of activity.”
Anyone interested in taking part in a virtual viewing can visit the Sherry Fitzgerald Talbot website for property details. Send an email to info@sftalbot.ie requesting access to the viewing and an agent will set you up. Viewing of properties not part of the Virtual Viewing Fridays scheme can still be arranged during normal business hours.