Coronavirus (COVID-19) updates regarding Sales and Inspections

Restrictions on indoor gatherings

The Stay at Home Directions (No 3) dated 7 April 2020 (SAHD) restrict the number of people who may gather in indoor spaces to two people, providing that, unless an exception applies, a person must not enter a residence unless:

  • no other person is in that space; or
  • only one other person is in that space; or
  • more than one other person is in the space, but all of those persons ordinarily reside at the same premises as the person.

Inspections for lease and sale

Clause 11(3)(c) of the Stay at Home Direction (SAHD) allows a person to permit another person to enter their place of residence if it is necessary for the second person to enter the premises for the purpose of their work. Therefore, a person may permit an estate agent to enter the person’s place of residence to allow the estate agent to undertake their work related to the place of residence.

Inspections of occupied properties

Clause 11(3)(d) of the SAHD allows a person to permit another person to enter their place of residence if the second person is entering for the purposes of attending a private inspection of the premises for the purposes of a prospective sale or rental of the property.

Private inspections of an occupied/tenanted residential property are permitted to be organised. An inspection is only permitted where an estate agent and one other person (the person for whom the inspection is organised by private appointment) are present at the premises.An inspection where an estate agent, the prospective tenant/purchaser and a resident of the premises are all present is not permitted. In this case the resident of the premises will have to leave the premises, and should do so for a reason permitted under the SAHD, namely, to obtain necessary goods or services, for care and other compassionate reasons, to attend work or education or to exercise. Those in isolation or quarantine should not leave their homes.

Inspections of vacant properties

Private inspections of a vacant residential property are permitted to be organised. An inspection is only permitted where an estate agent and one other person (the person for whom the inspection is organised by private appointment) are present at the premises.

Inspections of tenanted properties

Inspections by vendors or landlords

A vendor or a landlord wanting to enter a property to inspect it is permitted to do so if they have served a valid notice to enter the premises under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997.

Inspections by estate agents

An estate agent is permitted to enter residential premises to exercise lawful duties as part of the exercise of their occupation, including to inspect a property on behalf of a landlord or vendor. Restrictions on indoor gatherings do not apply to an estate agent entering an indoor space where it is necessary to enter a property in the exercise of their occupation. Accordingly, an estate agent may enter premises to conduct an inspection on behalf of a landlord or vendor irrespective of the number of residents of the property present at the time.Estate agents, vendors or landlords conducting any inspection should ensure compliance and high levels of hygiene. See the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) information on appropriate cleaning and disinfecting.

More activities may be restricted as the coronavirus (COVID-19) progresses. Estate agents should monitor the DHHS website for up-to-date information.

We encourage you to reachout to us via [email protected] to discuss your particular situation and to read further information please head to Consumer affairs victoria on the below link.https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/resources-and-tools/advice-in-a-disaster/coronavirus-covid19-and-your-rights

#melbournehomes # #realestate #realestateau #melb

#silverservicere #silverservicerealestate #customerfirst #heretoserve #realestatemelbourne #realestateredefined
#Redefined #lovemyhome 

Silver linings: how to stay positive during the coronavirus crisis

These anxious and unusual times bring unforeseen difficulties. But the best of human nature can rise to the challenge.

With all the tragic things that are happening in the world as a result of the coronavirus, now might seem like an unusual time to talk about being positive. Yet staying positive is a core ingredient in the recipe of successful coping in a crisis.

Now, more than ever, is the time for us to be proactive about creating small moments of happiness in our days, given the findings in psychology research that positive emotions help us to undo the negative effects of stress. Here are a few really practical things you can do to foster positive emotions;

  • Savour the small moments: Even during lockdown you still have many small moments to savour. The smell of coffee, the feel of the warm shower on your back and so on. When you stop to take in these moments, rather then let them rush by on automatic pilot, you are giving your brain a chance to process the pleasure, which boosts your serotonin – the feel good neurotransmitter that helps elevate your mood and make you feel calm.
  • Strengthen your connections: for those of us in family lockdown, now is the opportunity to spend quality time with our loved ones. Take the time to hug your kids or partner, look them in the eyes, have long conversations with them – all of these gestures promote closeness and also boost your oxytocin, which is a hormone that bonds people and also has a calming effect on your body. When your oxytocin levels spike they tell your body to switch off cortisol, the stress hormone.
  • Look for the good in others: These types of crises can bring out both the worst and the best in human nature. This week there were two Youtube clips that went viral in Australia about toilet paper. One was of three grown women fighting in Woolworths over a packet of toilet paper. The other was two young children dragging a large cart of toilet paper behind them and stopping at the homes of elderly people in their neighbourhood to give them a roll. I like to think that the best in human nature is rising to the coronavirus challenge. Philanthropists are donating money to scientists to find a cure. Doctors and medical staff are working overtime to help sick patients. Neighbourhoods are putting together care packages for people who are sleeping rough. People are posting positive messages on social media. Friends from across the globe reaching out to each other. When we tune into these positive and pro-social aspects of the crisis, we are united in hope.

#melbournehomes # #realestate #realestateau #melb

#silverservicere #silverservicerealestate #customerfirst #heretoserve #realestatemelbourne #realestateredefined
#Redefined #lovemyhome 

Silver linings: Classes to take at home

The Yoga Creative

At home whilst we are all participating in physical distancing, the team at The Yoga Creative have put together a range of Digital Classes, for you to do in the comfort of your own home.

The Yoga Creative is based in Fitzroy and are specialists in a wide variety of Yoga- they fuse together art, Yoga and well being. These digital classes offer guided meditation classes, relaxation classes and Gita Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Yin Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Restorative yoga for any level of practice.

The Yoga Creative had provided a Covid-19 digital program offering unlimited $10 a week classes with a timetable to suit anyone working from home or those on a break. It’s the perfect time to connect with self again and keep your immune system at it best. 

  • Gita Yoga
  • Yin Yoga
  • Hatha Yoga
  • Restorative Yoga
  • Yoga Nidra
  • Meditation
  • Progressive Relaxation
  • Vinyasa flow

These classes range from 30 minutes and up to an hour, check out their timetable below.

#melbournehomes # #realestate #realestateau #melb

#silverservicere #silverservicerealestate #customerfirst #heretoserve #realestatemelbourne #realestateredefined
#Redefined #lovemyhome 

STOP FOOD WASTE DAY APRIL 29TH 2020

We are all behind stopping the food waste epidemic the world is facing. On April 29th, let’s all take a good look at how we can better use food and waste less food.

 There are a variety of recipes you can use to help you plan how to reduce food waste. One we love is from our favourite chef Guy Grossi – Panzanella salad.


Read more

Things to do in Melbourne during lock down

Many performances, museums and venues have been closed and cancelled due to coronavirus so we’ve come up with a list of fun things to do while you’re self quarantining or social distancing.

  • Looking to learn something new while you’re at home? Laneway Learning has introduced a bunch of new online classes you can do virtually. There are classes on mindful doodling, journaling, constellation embroidery, macramé, crocheting, burlesque workouts, fermenting, yoga classes and classes on “surviving chairs” and how to argue better. There’s also a class on getting your finances sorted during the current Covid-19 pandemic.

Classes can be registered here:https://melbourne.lanewaylearning.com/class-category/upcoming-classes/

  • Do a 1000 – piece jigsaw puzzle of a hand-drawn map of Melbourne: The Melbourne Map is an art print that took over four years and more than 8,000 hours of research, design and illustration to put together. That hand-drawn map has now been turned into a 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle that lets you experience life once again on Melbourne’s streets, albeit vicariously. The map the puzzle depicts is the work of founder and producer Melinda Clarke, who worked with three illustrators (Lewis Brownlie, Deborah Young and Sean Rodwell) to create the intricate artwork. https://www.timeout.com/melbourne/news/you-can-do-a-1-000-piece-jigsaw-puzzle-of-a-hand-drawn-map-of-melbourne-032720

Lots to choose from. Jump online and check out the latest family friendly games! https://www.puzzlesandgames.com.au/

  • Tour Melbourne Museum from home

You might not be able to physically visit museums in Melbourne anymore, but as of today, you can visit them virtually. Today Museums Victoria launched Museum at Home; an initiative that allows you to engage and explore Melbourne Museum, Scienceworks and the Immigration Museum online. The online project will allow guests to go behind the scenes, take virtual tours (hosted by hilarious kidult comedy team the Listies), learn about STEM, experience live streamed virtual events. You can watch it here: 

https://museumsvictoria.com.au/museum-at-home/

Tell us what you like to do during this time? Xx stay safe xx

Easter Holidays fun!

The coronavirus pandemic means those of us who can are spending a lot more time at home. So why not read books, get creative and play games!


Read more

Caring for our community, Covid-19 update

The safety, hygiene and welfare of our customers, staff members in the Silver Service Real Estate community is our number one priority.

The situation surrounding coronavirus (COVID-19) is at the forethought of our planning and we are constantly monitoring the current climate. Rest assured we are putting in additional measures to make sure that our staff and customers at Silver Service Real Estate are as safe as possible.

Below are some of the extra steps we are taking:


Read more

Refresh with A Fresh Coat of Paint!

It is so important to stand out in today’s world. Today, we have more to distract us than ever before. In the world of real estate, to make an impact, little things can go a long way. 

In today’s blog, we talk about how a small investment can lead to big returns. For example, how just a coat of paint can refresh an old home, giving it new life. If you are selling or renting out it’s important to put your best foot forward and brighten up the living space.


Read more

Achieve your maximum potential!

The real-estate industry is all about developing the right connections and surpassing your potential by understanding the rapidly changing dynamics of the industry. Many agents and property managers face challenges in reaching out to a wider array of clients because they are unable to develop effective networks. 
Cooperative and joint-real estate systems go a long way not only in maximising the success rate of property managers but also in improving customer satisfaction, helping you build a relationship that is based on mutual trust and respect. 


Read more