How do I handle enquiries about my home?
An important question - Firstly let us say that we never disclose personal information such as your email address in adverts. All enquiries about your property come to you via a secure enquiry form. Only when you are happy with the enquirer would you give them your email address and/or phone number. However, if you are happy to do so you can show your telephone number as part of your advert.
When someone contacts you, the first thing you need to do is determine how serious they are. Don't jump straight in with a lot of questions though - remember, they have taken the time to find your advert and contact you about it. Answer their questions about the property but before you decide to invite them to view ask the following:
- Do they have a property to sell?
- If so, is it already on the market? (if it isn't then they probably aren't currently in a position to buy your property).
- If it's with an estate agent then ask which one and their contact details (this allows you to check that it really is on the market).
- Make sure they know your asking price. Ask if they will require a mortgage to buy your property and if so, have they been sought advice on how much they can borrow? Will this cover your asking price? (you don't want to accept an offer from someone who can't confirm they are in a position to buy).
Once you are comfortable that they seem serious you should make arrangements for them to view as soon as possible, whilst they are still enthusiastic. If buyers feel you are taking too long to let them view they may see this as a sign of a lengthy sale process - something no-one wants. Before you invite anyone into your home you should take steps to find out who they are and how they can be contacted. When arranging a viewing ask for the following details:
- Name.
- Home address.
- Home phone number - landline, not mobile.
- Mobile phone number.
- Email address.
- Any other contact details such as work numbers or work emails that they are prepared to give and have you use.
Once you have these details you should arrange to call them back to confirm a viewing time. This lets you confirm that the landline number is correct.
Next Page - How do I manage viewings of my property?
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Return to - 'Sell my own home' Guide
Please note. The information contained within the MyKeys.co.uk 'Guide to selling my own home privately' is for guidance only.
For the legal aspects of selling your own home please contact your solicitor.