Are You Getting The Right Advice when it Comes to Your Property?

Why is buying and selling property always so complicated? Why do we always feel like the advice that we’re being given isn’t truthful, honest and helpful? Why do I even have to extend my lease?

Whether you are a self-proclaimed property aficionado or completely new to the game as first-timers – buying and selling (and even simply owning!) property can be fraught with pitfalls and small details that land you in hot water. Given that property is likely to be one of the most valuable assets you’ll ever own, it’s a whole lot easier if you have somebody advising you who is a real expert and above all, somebody who you can trust to give you the best advice.

Who are the experts?

I’ve worked across a number of disciplines and I’m a member of the Association of Residential Lettings Agents, a member of the Association of Leasehold Enfranchisement Practitioners and a member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors – but that doesn’t mean that I know all there is to know about property!

It’s always important to check that the person who is giving the advice actually knows about the topic they’re advising on. In my case, I provide a lot of advice on leasehold related matters such as lease extensions, buying your freehold, ground rent concerns and service charge matters. It’s vital that you ask the right person, the right questions. A real expert should give advice in a way that you can understand, otherwise, what good is that advice?

So, are you telling me that I need to find somebody with all those qualifications to help me?

As Chartered Surveyors, we have a duty to make sure that we act ethically, give informed advice and promote trust in the profession. If you don’t know what something means, then don’t be afraid to ask the question – a true professional will be more than happy to give you all the explanation you need.

Stay alert! Don’t just assume that because people have letters after their name and/or that they’ve been working in the industry for their whole lives that it makes them an expert. You should always ask why that advice has been given - that is what really sets those who really know apart from those who ‘appear’ to know. Real experts will also understand when to give advice. If they don’t know - they won’t lead you up the garden path – good experts should point you in the direction of good advice if they can’t give it themselves.

So, what has this got to do with Estate Agency?

Not all Estate Agencies have Chartered Surveyors on board but having us around can help no end and gives D&G the ability to give a multi-disciplined view on any problems that need solving. Chartered Surveyors who have qualified in residential practice are bona fide experts when it comes to residential disciplines which nearly always includes sales, lettings, leasehold and freehold matters and valuations.

A big part of our role as Chartered Surveyors at D&G is training all our frontline teams to give the most helpful and informed advice. Every team at D&G is trained thoroughly throughout their career with us - the training offering at D&G is outstanding and we ensure our teams have all the relevant expertise for their role. Perhaps even more importantly, they know when to say, ‘I don’t know’ and they know who (often us!) can give that advice to help you.

How do I know when people are being honest?

Integrity is crucial. In an industry that often gets a ‘bad rep’ we know that being honest and giving the best, informed advice, not only promotes trust but it is immensely helpful for you when making those big decisions. You would be right to be apprehensive with an agent who tells you, ‘The service charge is super low!’ or ‘The ground rent is only £500, that’s not much’. You’d be better off trusting somebody who says, ‘I think it’s this, but I will check carefully and come back to you’. After all, these are big decisions you’re making, and the wrong advice is likely to cause you problems at some point through the process.

At D&G we always strive to give the best advice from honest experts who really know what they’re talking about. We are dedicated to giving our customers the confidence to make life-changing decisions with certainty and peace of mind.