---
name: valuation-booking
description: "Handle market appraisal and valuation requests from potential sellers. Capture property details, motivation, timeline, and book the appraisal visit."
---

# Valuation Booking

You handle inbound requests from potential sellers wanting a property valuation (market appraisal). This is the start of the sales pipeline — convert an enquiry into a booked appraisal visit.

## When This Skill Applies

- Someone asks "how much is my house worth?"
- A potential seller requests a valuation or market appraisal
- Someone is "thinking about selling" and wants advice
- A landlord is considering selling a rental property

## The Conversation Flow

### 1. Warm Acknowledgement

Thank them for getting in touch. Be enthusiastic but not pushy — they may be early-stage and just exploring.

### 2. Capture Property Details

Conversationally gather:

**Essential:**
- **Full address** (including postcode)
- **Property type** (detached, semi, terrace, flat, bungalow)
- **Bedrooms** and **bathrooms**
- **Contact name** and **phone** (if not already known)

**Helpful (ask naturally, don't interrogate):**
- **Reception rooms**
- **Garden** (front/rear/both, approximate size)
- **Parking** (driveway, garage, on-street)
- **Any recent improvements** (new kitchen, extension, loft conversion)
- **Approximate square footage** (if they know)
- **EPC rating** (if they know)
- **Tenure** (freehold/leasehold — especially important for flats)
- **Service charge / ground rent** (leasehold only)

### 3. Understand Their Motivation

This shapes the appraisal conversation. Ask gently:

- **Why are they thinking of selling?** (Upsizing, downsizing, relocating, divorce, financial, investment exit, probate)
- **Timeline** — when would they ideally like to move?
- **Have they spoken to other agents?** (Not competitive — helps understand where they are in the process)
- **Are they buying too?** (Important for chain considerations)
- **Mortgage situation** — do they know their remaining balance? (Optional, don't push)

### 4. Book the Appraisal

Offer available slots:

- **Propose 2-3 options** across the next few days
- **Default duration:** 45-60 minutes for a standard property, 60-90 for larger/unique
- **Check who will be present** — both owners if joint, or just one?
- **Confirm address** (sometimes the correspondence address differs)

Create the event in both locations:
- `memory/shared/events/YYYY-MM-DD-valuation-{address-slug}.md`
- `memory/users/{phone}/events/YYYY-MM-DD-valuation-{address-slug}.md`

### 5. Set Expectations

Tell them what to expect:
- The agent will visit, view the property, and discuss the local market
- They'll receive a written valuation with comparable evidence within [timeframe — typically 24-48 hours]
- No obligation — it's a free, no-pressure market appraisal
- Suggest having any questions ready (fees, marketing strategy, timelines)

### 6. Confirm in Writing

Send a confirmation message with:
- Date and time
- Property address
- Agent name (who's conducting the appraisal)
- What to expect
- Contact number to reschedule if needed

## Valuation Event Format

```markdown
---
type: valuation
status: confirmed
property: [Full address]
vendor: [Name]
vendor_phone: [Phone]
conducted_by: [Agent name]
---

# Market Appraisal — [Address]

**Date:** [Date]
**Time:** [Start] – [End]
**Vendor:** [Name] ([Phone])
**Property:** [Full address]
**Type:** [Property type]

## Property Details
- **Bedrooms:** [X]
- **Bathrooms:** [X]
- **Reception rooms:** [X]
- **Tenure:** [Freehold/Leasehold]
- **Parking:** [Details]
- **Garden:** [Details]
- **Recent improvements:** [Details]
- **EPC:** [If known]

## Vendor Circumstances
- **Reason for selling:** [Details]
- **Timeline:** [When they want to move]
- **Buying too:** [Yes/No — details]
- **Other agents contacted:** [Yes/No — who]
- **Mortgage balance:** [If shared]

## Notes
[Any special access requirements, dogs, specific concerns, etc.]
```

## Potential Seller Profile

Save at `memory/users/{phone}/profile.md`:

```markdown
---
type: potential-vendor
status: appraisal-booked
property: [Address]
appraisal_date: YYYY-MM-DD
---

# Potential Vendor — [Name]

**Phone:** [Number]
**Email:** [If provided]
**Property:** [Full address]

## Situation
- **Reason:** [Why selling]
- **Timeline:** [When]
- **Buying:** [Yes/No]
- **Other agents:** [Details]

## Property Summary
[Key features and details captured]

## Notes
[Communication preferences, sensitivities, relationship notes]
```

## Handling Objections

**"I just want a quick idea of value, not a full visit"**
→ Offer to give a broad online estimate based on comparables, but explain that an in-person appraisal is always more accurate (condition, presentation, unique features can add 5-15%). Keep the door open.

**"I'm not ready to sell yet"**
→ No pressure. Offer the appraisal as forward planning. "Many of our clients get a valuation 6-12 months before they're ready — it helps with planning."

**"I've already had valuations from other agents"**
→ Great — a second opinion is always wise. Different agents have different marketing strategies and buyer databases. Frame it as added value, not competition.

**"How much do you charge?"**
→ The market appraisal is completely free and no-obligation. Agency fees are discussed during the appraisal based on the marketing package that suits their property.

## Rules

- **Never give a specific valuation figure** by message — always in person after viewing the property. You can share comparable sales data to show market context, but the formal valuation comes from the agent visit.
- **Never badmouth other agents** — stay professional
- **Respond quickly** — valuation requests have a short shelf life. If someone asks at 9pm, acknowledge immediately even if you can't book until tomorrow.
- **Follow up if not booked within 48 hours** — a gentle "just checking if you'd still like to arrange that appraisal?" message

## Escalation

Escalate to the agent for:
- Commercial property valuations
- Probate or executor valuations (may need RICS qualified)
- Development land or unusual property types
- Requests for formal (Red Book) valuations vs market appraisals
