**UPDATE: On Tuesday night, after publication of this story, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that open homes would need to cease, and auction houses must close.
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MULTIPLE real estate agents in Bathurst will be relying on technology to showcase homes to interested buyers.
The threat of coronavirus has seen a number of real estate agents locally decide to forgo open home inspections, choosing to carry out inspections by appointment only or virtually.
Among those turning to technology is One Agency Bestwick Real Estate.
Owner Mitchell Bestwick said his agency is no longer holding traditional open home inspections, however inspections by appointment will continue and "couch open homes" have been introduced.
"We as a company have decided to put [open home inspections] on hold, but we are going to do live Facebook inspections where people can ask questions and we can show them around," he said.
Mr Bestwick said people can like his agency's Facebook page to receive notifications about when these open homes will go live.
While it is certainly a different way of doing things, he said it was all in the name of safety, while ensuring people still had access to property.
"We're trying to be safe, but still be on the front foot and show people that life will go, that this will pass in time," Mr Bestwick said.
Four other agencies have indicated a move to online.
Century 21 Bathurst is now offering virtual open homes with their 3D Matterport technology, while Professionals Bathurst are having "selective open homes" and offering virtual tours and appraisals using FaceTime, Skype and Google Meet.
James and Toni Thompson from @Realty will conduct open homes on vacant properties, but only allow two people in at any one time. They are also prepared to offer personalised virtual tours via Google for those who aren't comfortable visiting homes in person.
Bathurst Real Estate can offer virtual tours via Matterport on some properties and still have inspections available by appointment. All their future open home inspections have been cancelled, with the exception of one property on Saturday.
Other agencies have chosen to only offer inspections by appointment, including Elders Nicoll and Ireland, Masters Stephens Real Estate and Agent Chapman Real Estate.
"I have postponed the practice of conducting open home inspections, however scheduled inspections will continue as normal," David Chapman said.
Cleary Fairbrother Property will continue to do open homes at this stage, but will alter its approach depending on what vendors want.
Agencies facilitating in-person inspections have said they are taking extra precautions to ensure social distancing and the use of hand sanitiser.