Easter weekend review of the week's top stories




Lettings agency confusion still reigns about viewings, secret shopper reveals<br />

Research by an anonymous blogger among half a dozen agents finds half are still willing to offer face-to-face property viewings despite crisis.

Click here to read Lettings agency confusion still reigns about viewings, secret shopper reveals<br />.



Vital ‘workaround’ goes live to help stalled sales get to exchange during crisis<br />

Conveyancing company Searchflow says its new product will enable thousands of sales to proceed that would otherwise have stalled during the crisis.

Click here to read Vital ‘workaround’ goes live to help stalled sales get to exchange during crisis<br />.



Give estate agents more clarity on what is essential work, pleads leading industry figure<br />

Ed Mead says the industry needs better advice and that the furlough scheme will have to be re-evaluated as the UK comes out of the crisis.

Click here to read Give estate agents more clarity on what is essential work, pleads leading industry figure<br />.



Estate agent takes down Facebook post about ‘doing a viewing’ following negative comments<br />

Well-known agency figure Sam Ashdown said her buyer was technically homeless and in temporary accommodation and that the property involved was an empty newbuild, underlining industry confusion over guidelines.

Click here to read Estate agent takes down Facebook post about ‘doing a viewing’ following negative comments<br />.



'The power of auctions: Part 1 – assisting essential sales in lockdown'


Industry software providers, BriefYourMarket and Yomdel have teamed up to run a daily Protection & Planning Webinar series to support agents. Sign up now for this morning's webcast.

Click here to read 'The power of auctions: Part 1 – assisting essential sales in lockdown'.



Leading Purplebricks’ shareholder offloads its stock

The unexpected sell-off signals City jitters about riskier investment opportunities like Purplebricks in the current climate.

Click here to read Leading Purplebricks’ shareholder offloads its stock.



London firms help agents forge improved free deal with Zoopla

Dreamview Estates, Hausman and Holmes, and Alan Goldin Estates persuade Zoopla to give an improved offer on the portal's original 'free fee' deal announced last month.

Click here to read London firms help agents forge improved free deal with Zoopla.



Rightmove gets behind virtual viewings with more tech developments

After listening to agent concerns about how they can generate more property enquiries for their existing listings, the troubled portal has revealed more ways for agents' virtual viewings to be seen on its platforms.

Click here to read Rightmove gets behind virtual viewings with more tech developments.