The Wharf: Home Front – September 6, 2007

Q. I need to have my house valued as I’m being relocated overseas with work. Having never sold before what is the usual procedure with regards to calling agents in, and am I expected to pay for this service?

A. Most estate Agents in this area offer free valuations to prospective sellers as part of their services. I would recommend calling in at least three agents in order to achieve a good perspective as to a current market overview as well as confirming the current market valuation of the property. During the appointment the agent will discuss marketing tools and address any questions you have with regard to the sale of your property. The agent should also confirm fees and terms of their agency agreement as well as viewing arrangements if you were to instruct them to handle the sale on your behalf. Following their visits it will then be up to you to decide who to instruct to act for you, this decision will be made on various factors including how well you got on with the individual. Selling a property can take some time, therefore its essential that you instruct an agent that you feel comfortable with and are also confident that they are capable of achieving the results you are hoping to accomplish.

“I have known Dawn in a professional capacity for a very long time, as we used to work together for a number of years. She has a comprehensive knowledge of the Docklands real estate market, but this is not her strongest point. What makes Dawn stand out as an agent is the effort she puts into every deal, the relationships she builds with everyone and the passion she has for what she does. Dawn and Gabriella have been managing my investment property for more than 3 years. I now live overseas and I feel so comfortable knowing they are really looking after my interest, whilst at the same time always being fair and transparent with the tenants. Nothing is big enough job for those ladies and everytime I say ‘thank you – I am so grateful for what you do’, the reply is ‘It’s my job’. I really cannot recommend this wonderful team enough!”

Daniela WeatherillOverseas Landlord

“We are incredibly happy with the service that Dawn Sandoval Residential provide. They offer a personal but very professional service, and we feel secure and confident with their management which is key when letting out a property.”

Amy Facey

“Dawn Sandoval Residential and associates have managed several transactions on our behalf, and each time they have gone above and beyond our expectations. We trust the team highly, and I honestly couldn’t recommend them enough.”

Neil Chinniah

“The Dawn Sandoval Residential team took the time to properly understand what I was looking for. At every stage of the process, I knew they were doing their best for me and valued me as a customer. I have no hesitation in recommending their services in the highest possible terms.”

Andrew Simmonds – Management Consultant

“Dawn Sandoval Residential offer a real personal service. Their response rates are excellent, and we have a sense that they care about our tenants and properties. We cannot recommend them highly enough.”

Cathy & Paul Betts

“Dawn Sandoval Residential have great insights into the property market in London and especially around Canary Wharf. They work very hard to understand their clients’ requirements, and we would highly recommend them.”

David & Ginette Marks