Getting a Valuation

Ask two or three agents to give you a valuation on your home, and consider the following:

• Ask them - why should I give you my house to sell? Carefully consider their answer. Ask yourself, were you convinced did they tell you what their service would mean to you?
• How did they justify their valuation? Did they discuss with you details of other similar houses that they have sold recently? Ask the agent who suggests the highest figure how they reached their opinion; they may simply want to secure your business and then pressurise you to reduce your asking price at a later stage.
• Do you get on with the agent now, and do you think you will get on with him or her when things get tough? Do you feel happy letting this person deal with the biggest asset that most people own?
• Are you clear about what they will charge - ask them to convert the fee into £££'s and add the VAT so that you know exactly what you will be liable for, and when!

Remember that by law the agent cannot put your home on the market until they have confirmed in writing your instructions, their fee and when it is to be collected.