Arranging a Property Valuation
When you telephone to arrange a valuation appointment, the agent will want to ask you a number of questions. Beware. It is probably not in your best interest to answer them all at this time. The likely questions can be divided into three categories:
Questions about the Property
The agent will ask for a detailed description of your property. He needs this information in order to research its value prior to his visit. You should describe your property accurately and thoroughly, paying particular attention to any unusual features such as an extension.
Questions about You
The agent will also ask for a lot of background information about you. He will want to know the reason for your move, your anticipated timescale and whether you have already contacted other agents. The agent's purpose in asking such questions is to ascertain whether you are serious about moving or whether you just want a valuation. Your answers to these questions will determine how seriously your enquiry is taken and also, very often, the seniority of the member of staff sent out to see you. For this reason these questions must be answered with some care. In particular:
- Never admit to being in a hurry to sell. This could mean a lower valuation.
- Always say that you will be inviting several agents around before deciding who to instruct on a sole agency basis (a more senior member of staff will often be sent to sell the firm's service against competition).
Questions about the Property's Value
Some agents will ask you what price you are hoping to achieve for your property over the telephone. If you reveal this there is a real danger that the agent will tell you the price that you want to hear instead of giving you a properly researched valuation. You should therefore decline to answer this question at this time. Say something like 'I do have a price in mind but I should like to hear your opinion first.'
Having answered the agent's questions, the next thing to do is to agree on a time for the appointment. Your valuation appointment is an extremely important occasion, and it is my belief that it is an occasion where two heads are better than one. If you have a partner, then both of you should be present. If not you might consider asking a trusted friend to sit through each appointment with you.
The amount of time each agent will wish to spend with you will vary widely but, to be on the safe side l ½ hours should be allowed between appointments. It is embarrassing for everyone if the next agent arrives before the previous one has left. The best time for an appointment is undoubtedly a weekday when most agents will have more time to explain their service fully. On no account should an agent be invited to undertake a valuation after dark. Artificial light makes a property look so different that accurate valuation is impossible.
Finally, do not be frightened to stand firm on your preferred appointment times. Agents often try to sound busier than they are in order to impress potential clients and may be able to move 'another appointment' if you insist on a particular time.
