Getting my house valued this morning

first78

I'm getting my house valued this morning, it will be the first time I have ever put a house up for sale and wondered if anyone can tell me what sort of questions I should be asking the EA who comes to value it. I have another couple of EA's coming later in the week so I can compare the quotes they give me but feel a little unsure what I should be asking. Any help is appreciated!!

Estate_Agent

How many people do they have looking for your type of property? What happens if it doesn't sell within the initial contract period - will you reduce your fee? What can you do to make your house more presentable? Will you be able to write the property description with them - if you want to? How negotiable are your fees? What is your conversion rate? Will you accompany viewings? How do you intend to market the property? Will there be a floorplan and photo's of every room? Will you be putting garden dimensions on?

Doozergirl

Don't tell them what you think your house is worth. They will most likely ask but wil;l tailor their own valuation possibly to suit you - it's better to get an impartial view.

Ask them for details of comparable properties to yours that they have sold recently and what they are currently marketing. If you know of similar houses nearby that are on with them then ask specifically.

And ask where the house will be marketed ie. which websites and newspapers. If you get newspaper advertising then how often will your house be featured.

Can you have floorplans included? How many photos online? Do they use a professional photographer or do theyu have thei rown with a wide angle lens? Glossy brochures? Ask to look over other details of properties to see how professional it looks.

And ask their commission rate - and then ask if they are going to be flexible on that

first78

Estate Agent...please could you explain what a conversion rate is??

Thanks so much for all these questions, I'm busy scribbling them all down on a notebook!!

MissMotivation

Another few questions.....

What are your opening hours?
Will I deal with one person throughout the sale?
What percentage of your stock is SSTC?
How many properties like mine have you sold in the last 3 months?

The most important questions have already been covered and IMO they are those regarding the marketing of the property. Good quality photos of all rooms AND garden, well-written descriptions and accurate floorplans are essential. Ask them what information they upload to Rightmove etc, if its just 1 photo and a brief description....don't use them!

Estate_Agent

Thank you to the others who are a little more well written here rather than just bombarding you with information.

Conversion rate could be offers to sales that complete or viewings to offers/sales.

Unless someone more knowledgeable has some better input!

MissMotivation

Estate_Agent wrote: »

Thank you to the others who are a little more well written here rather than just bombarding you with information.

Conversion rate could be offers to sales that complete or viewings to offers/sales.

Unless someone more knowledgeable has some better input!

Instruction to Sale ratio is probably the best indicator of how good an EA is.

first78

Thanks for explaining
Well I have a good list of questions now so I'm hoping I won't come across like I have no idea at all!!

Thank-you so much to you all for your help and advice

Estate_Agent

MissM you are more of a mentor to me at the moment than some who are a geographically closer.

MissMotivation

Estate_Agent wrote: »

MissM you are more of a mentor to me at the moment than some who are a geographically closer.

Anytime EA.

Let me know if you ever fancy experiencing the market up here in the Midlands.:D

first78

I'm in the Midlands...I hope houses are selling round here, I'm desperate to move lol!!