Tips to avoid house hunting communication overload!

Recently I arranged for one of my clients to view some new-build properties, which are being managed by an estate agent. Unfortunately, at the end of the viewing he felt pressured into giving not only his own mobile number but also his email address to the agent.

Within hours my client was being "bombarded" with emails from containing descriptions of unsuitable properties. These emails were followed by calls, sometimes within minutes, trying to convince him to arrange viewings.

Of course, the majority of estate agents communicate with buyers in a professional manner but, like any industry, there is an unprofessional, disreputable element. So here are some tips on how to manage the communication process when you are searching for property:

Tip 1 - Using a property finder
If you engage a property finder to help you search for your next home or investment property then they will handle all communication with agents and vendors and filter out unsuitable properties. So there is no need to give your own contact details to estate agents during a viewing. Tell the agent to liaise with your property finder.

Tip 2 - Set-up an alternative email address
If you are not using a property finder to manage your property search , rather than providing estate agents with your office or your regular personal email address, set-up a free internet email account, such as Hotmail or Yahoo, and give that instead. That way you keep emails relating to your house hunt separate and can read them when it suits you. You could even create an address which reinforces your brief , for example "lookingfor4bedwithgarage@hotmail.co.uk". (Address available at time of blog!)

Tip 3 - Manage telephone contact
If you have a mobile phone, then it's not necessary to give out your home telephone number. If you really don't want to be contacted by phone then request email or postal contact only. (Please note that not providing a contact phone number could prevent you from hearing about a new property instruction quickly.) If you give your mobile phone number and you don't want to be interrupted at work or at other unsuitable times, remember to switch it to silent mode or off . Ask the agent to contact you at a specific time of day that suits you.

Tip 4 - Give feedback
Help the agent to provide you with more targeted information by giving clear feedback on properties that you have viewed. The more regularly you initiate communication with estate agents, the more likely you are to find out about properties that meet your brief.


Laurent Stadelmann
Managing Director - Chez-Vous HomeSearch