Online auctions and virtual inspections are proving successful, according to McGrath Estate Agents, who note the real estate industry has adapted quickly to the necessary legislation of social distancing.
“We have painstakingly worked with our agents to ensure that we exceed the safety requirements around COVID-19 of social distancing of between more than 4 square meters, and we’re delighted to continue to service clients and keep the wheels of commerce moving for our country,” McGrath CEO Geoff Lucas said.
“Today is a great litmus test of how the business of real estate can continue, where the live streaming of auctions has seen multiple bidders participate from the safety of their own home, as the auctioneer conducts the auction from either the property or from another location.
“We’ve been pleased to see many examples of live-streamed auctions today across our network that have proven to be popular with our clients, with multiple bidding activity through the platform.
“We’re also seeing large numbers of digital onlookers, with over 130 viewing the activity online for the successful Alexandra Street Hunters Hill auction.
“Equally, our agents have been conducting virtual inspections of properties through Facebook and Instagram Live with the ability to showcase and highlight special features of the properties.”
Founder John McGrath said the brand was shifting the way real estate is being conducted, whether it be open homes to private appointments and how we transact real estate.
“We are fully supportive of the Government’s efforts to slow the spread of Coronavirus and we will continue to make whatever shifts required to comply with the legislation and of course, maintain safety for our staff and customers,” Mr McGrath said.
Examples of McGrath Properties sold under online bidding platform on 28 March 2020:
14 Hampton Road, Sylvania Waters – SOLD $1,596,000
- Agent: Michael Lloyd
- Auctioneer: Luke Evans
- 38 Viewers watched the auction online, 7 buyers registered to bid online
- Opening Bid: $1,500,000 (VB)
- Number of Bids: 17
- Bidders actively participating: 3
- SOLD $1,596,000
- https://www.mcgrath.com.au/14-hampton-road-sylvania-waters-nsw-2224-for-sale-434687
9 Alexandra Street, Hunters Hill – SOLD $3,375,000
- Agent: Tracey Dixon & Stephanie O’Sullivan
- Auctioneer: Edward Riley
- 134 Viewers watched the auction online
- 4 buyers registered to bid online
- Opening Bid: $3,100,000
- Number of Bids: 16 Bidders actively participating: 2
- https://www.mcgrath.com.au/9-alexandra-street-hunters-hill-nsw-2110-for-sale-431285
19 Archibald Street, Padstow SOLD $1,007,500
- Agent: Neil Singh
- Auctioneer: Jacqueline Lion-Cachet
- 99 Viewers watched the auction online
- 9 buyers registered to bid online
- Opening Bid: $800,000
- Number of Bids: 44
- Bidders actively participating: 3
- https://www.mcgrath.com.au/19-archibald-street-padstow-nsw-2211-for-sale-429755
3 Limeburners Road, East Geelong SOLD $1,020,000
- Agent: Wayne Baker
- Auctioneer: Will Ainsworth
- Opening Bid: $850,000
- 4 buyers online, and 1 on the phone
- Number of Bids: 18
- https://www.mcgrath.com.au/3-limeburners-road-east-geelong-vic-3219-for-sale-433179
