A cocktail of emotional responses. Trepidation and fear, leading to reluctance by many, but not all.

It is not without an element of surprise, but property management and sales are for the time being forging ahead in Mildura, albeit under a new regime of private inspections and off market sales.

A veteran of the industry, Barry Plant Director and Sales Agent, Tense Venneri said his team is making the necessary changes to stay ahead of the “curve”.

“We’ve certainly changed our processes in direct response to government and industry directive and also in the best interests of public health and safety,” he said.

But even during last weekend’s unique Easter break, enquiry remained strong. Days in the garden interrupted by evidently willing buyers, some of which are unperturbed.

“Real Estate is driven by emotion and motivation,” Mr Venneri said.

“At the moment motivation to transact can be low on both sides, probably because of the fear of the unknown, but we are reaching buyers with tailored marketing packages and digital walk throughs.., just doing it different.”

“We’re working harder to get the numbers through.”

“If people are planning a move, their motivation is still there, but the door has been forced shut on Open for Inspection,”.

“That’s why the industry has responded with other options,” he said.

“Who knows, this could be driving a new way, more like the old way of doing business, because it’s certainly working,” he said.

Property Management has also been resilient with the government ordering that moving house is considered “essential”.

Barry Plant Team Leader Tracy Taylor said there is still strong expectation that rent is to be paid, whilst some tenants are taking the opportunity to relocate.

“To this point we have barely slowed down at all with the day to day operation of the rent roll,” she said.

“Although, we are calling for some patience around maintenance, because property access and tradesman’s availability can be a challenge,”.

“We will work through whatever it takes,” she finalised.

“Barry Plant Mildura is doing it differently, but we are still doing it,” said Mr Venneri.