How we started a business whilst in lockdown

My first time writing a blog, so here it goes! So who saw the lockdown coming? I certainly didn’t when I decided to set up as an independent letting agent, SJM Properties. With the help of my partner, we have managed to successfully launch a business. My partner is a key worker, so we have had to juggle a very busy lifestyle of work, parenting, trialling property software and getting our heads around virtual and socially distanced property viewings. To say it’s been challenging is an understatement but things are coming together and the hard work is definitely worth it.

With my many years of experience in property management, I have a firm basis of knowledge for setting up as an agent. I have close relationships with all kinds of trade’s workers and I know the laws and legislations that apply to rental properties. Most importantly I know how clients want their property to be managed. So what could go wrong?

Coronavirus threw a few spanners in the works and I realised that I needed to up my game. So with a little bit of help from Google I researched ways to continue a business during lockdown, ways to allow property viewings in lockdown, which is the best 360 camera for a property tour, the list goes on. Then another cup of tea and it was time to put it all into practice.

I put any negative thoughts aside and set to work with my new 360 camera and created virtual tours. I pushed my page and intro offer on Facebook and things began to move very quickly. In a matter of weeks I had instructions from landlords and let each property within two weeks. We were buzzing that this got SJM Properties straight to the number one spot on Zoopla for the quickest agent in Taunton. We have had so much interest from tenants looking for one, two, three and four bedroom properties and we are continuing with our marketing plans to find the landlords to come on board with us.

I am patiently waiting for the lockdown to ease and I can start networking again, even if it is 2m away with a mask on. But for now, I will continue a regular blog to keep in touch and inform you all of any updates to our services, any changes in legislation that are relevant to our clients and maybe the occasional special feature. The possibilities are endless so if there is anything else you want to know more about then drop us a Facebook message.

Corona virus has given me a whole new level of appreciation for Zoom, Facebook, Agent OS and virtual viewings. What has it made you appreciate?