COACHING MODULES LISTING NEGOTIATION OBJECTIVE At the end of this training session, you will be aware of the main principles and roles of negotiation. NEGOTIATION PHASE This is the period between the first offer being made and agreeing a sale. It is when you are trying to influence another person or group, in order to get something you want and which they have some control over. You do this by bargaining with the other. The period between agreeing a sale and exchange of contracts may involve some re-negotiation. WHAT IS NEGOTIATION? Negotiation is a compromise between two or more parties. All negotiations end in one of three ways:1. Lose/Lose Neither party having gained anything. 2. Win/Lose Can be attractive to the winning side, often an aggressive person. Normally leads to a breakdown of trust and therefore further negotiations could be difficult. 3. Win/Win This ensures that both sides have gained something and reached common ground. For us, this allows us to present our other services and products. FOUR STAGES OF NEGOTIATION 1. Prepare Preparation Assess your objectives. Consider how many ways these can be achieved. Decide which objectives are fixed, which are variable and what the scope is for variation. Consider the possible outcomes in the light of your long-term goals. Planning Plan your approach and the sequence of issues you wish to raise. Plan to raise the less contentious issues first. Assess the objectives of the other party. Identify linkages and areas of common ground. Anticipate the other party’s likely response to each of your issues and prepare answers. -1- COACHING MODULES LISTING 2. Discuss Exchange messages Set the climate for the meeting by exchanging messages to establish trust and confidence. Introduction Be sociable and establish a tension-free atmosphere. Confirm both parties’ broad objectives and feelings. Listen carefully for any surprises and how they affect your plan. Background Review proceedings leading up to the meeting and iron out any differences in ‘facts’. 3. Propose Definition of issues Specify, in detail, what you wish to resolve. Do this in a way which doesn’t ‘box in’ the other party, but don’t appear weak. Link issues, where appropriate, to the other parties’ objectives. 4. Bargain Negotiate the issue Start by asking for what you want, but accept that goals may have to be modified. Link compromises to other objectives and don’t make concessions. Remember the phrase, “If……then….. Summaries Confirm understanding by summarising points during the discussion, particularly where complex issues are involved. Settlement Agree on what you have agreed. Unless agreement is fully understood by both parties, the settlement may not last. LAWS OF NEGOTIATION Understand aspiration levels - Realise the seller is trying to achieve the highest price - Realise the buyer is trying to achieve the lowest price - When the seller believes you are doing all you possibly can to achieve his price he will lower his aspiration levels - When the buyer thinks he has reached to lowest achievable price - Make each person think they have reached the bottom line - Aspirations affect price and concessions - The person who aims highest gains the most -2- COACHING MODULES LISTING Defend the price - Don’t be a price crumbler - Provided the price is reasonable you must defend it - When you move, be seen to ‘bleed’ - Justify a sensible deal Don’t give concessions, trade them - Don’t move unless you both move - Make them work for it - If one concedes, the other will try again - Always ask for something in return - Never split the difference - Don’t give things away to gain favour Look for negotiable variables - Consider things that can be included or excluded from the sale in negotiation - Make a list of them Always look at value - Raise the cost of what the seller is offering - Lower the value of what the buyer is offering Be mean! - Don’t agree too quickly - When you’re about to say ‘yes’, say ‘no’ one more time - Think of what you’re giving away – then try half - Put a greater value on the ‘hard to get’ things Handle deadlock Appeal to both parties over time and effort invested Check deadlock is not being used to gain capitulation Ask if there are any other issues Use ‘sweat’ letters Arrange a meeting, ‘eyeball-to-eyeball’ Avoid conflict Ensure all parties fully understand the situation Do not lose your cool Keep control Calm down any aggression Keep your sense of humour – but don’t misplace it Right person, right time Negotiate with the decision maker Be patient – people need time to adjust to compromises Someone in a rush often concedes Plant the seed and let it grow Use silence! -3- COACHING MODULES LISTING NEGOTIATOR PLOYS Ploy Countermeasure “I like it but I can’t afford it” Test it by having an alternative suggestion If they go for other suggestion it’s not a ploy Reduce the package with the price “I don’t think it’s worth the money” More aggressive than above Trade concessions – “If you can……I can…..” Is flexibility built into the price? Outrageous offers Don’t react, smile Defend the price Use silence “Take it or leave it” Keep talking – communication gives you a chance Offer minor concessions Allow person to save face if backing down “Is the price negotiable?” “What is your budget?” “What are you considering?” “What is the lowest you would take?” Don’t fall for it – appeal to their better nature “If I was in your position……” Inventing, or producing competition No two products are ever the same If they’re talking, they want yours Recognise the tactic and defend the price Sweat letters Write and say you are refusing their terms WAIT! Eyeball-to-eyeball Formal venue, where you meet across a table Speak first, then shut up If two other parties, don’t get involved Silence Often the best tactic of all Do not speak until the silence is broken NEGOTIATOR’S CHECKLIST Techniques for making proposals Pre-emptive offers ruin long-term relationships Goodwill conceding toughens the other person’s responses ONO weakens your bargaining position -4- COACHING MODULES LISTING Don’t give discounts to people who need your business The negotiator’s most useful two-letter word is ‘If’ There is no such thing as a fixed price tag Packaging is the best defence to a price challenge Don’t change the price, change the package Responding to proposals The worst thing you can do is to accept the first offer Don’t just state a grievance, negotiate a remedy In conceding, be more like scrooge than St. Francis Never concede anything without getting something in exchange Nothing, absolutely nothing, is given away free You can’t afford to “split the difference” If they want something from you, it ought to cost them How do you educate your opponents? Put a price on their demands If you haven’t got a principle, invent one Dealing with the psychological effect If you believe they have the power, they have! If you believe you have the power, you have! Prestige offices are there to intimidate If they keep you waiting, use their phones Threats and sanctions are commonplace in negotiation Threats lead to irrational responses, as people don’t like being threatened Threats must be credible, but are always likely to damage negotiations Behaviour for negotiators Tempers are never calmed by being tested Tough negotiators open high, stick close to it and make a few, small concessions Weak negotiators open low, move a long way and make large concessions Deadlock – tough negotiators are not afraid of it, weak ones are Amateurs are given to clumsy threats General views on negotiating Negotiating is about trading, not conceding Negotiating involves both sides in a voluntary consent to a joint decision Both sides have a veto Negotiators are dealers, not shufflers – which are you? SUMMARY OF LEARNING POINTS Negotiation happens between receiving the first offer and agreeing the sale Negotiation is a compromise A win/win situation is when both parties believe they have reached the other’s bottom line Understand aspiration levels and work on them -5- COACHING MODULES LISTING The seller must believe you are doing everything possible Defend the price Trade concessions Look for variables Be mean Handle deadlock Keep your sense of humour Remember – Be honest and truthful and keep within the law. NOW CHECK WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNT SO FAR BY COMPLETING THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS a) What is a negotiation? ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. -6- COACHING MODULES LISTING ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. b) What are the three possible outcomes? ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. c) Give an example of the ‘If and Then’ technique. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. d) Name four “Laws” of negotiation. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. -7- COACHING MODULES LISTING RE-NEGOTIATION OBJECTIVE At the end of this training session you will be aware of some of the best methods to achieve successful re-negotiation. COMMON REASONS WHY WE NEED TO RE-NEGOTIATE The period between agreeing a sale and exchange of contracts may involve renegotiation when the buyer or seller becomes dissatisfied with the original agreement. Poor survey Down valuation Retention Forced negotiation at exchange Insufficient salary references Late comparison to other properties Another buyer / offer Fixture and fittings REMEMBER YOUR NEGOTIATION SKILLS It is important to remember all the skills discussed in the “Negotiation” module. DON’T FORGET YOUR CLIENT It must always be uppermost in your mind that you are acting in the best interests of the customer paying your commission. RE-NEGOTIATION RULES 1. Establish the exact problem 2. Do not agree with the buyer (it will jeopardise your negotiation) 3. Ask the customer how they wish to resolve the problem 4. Re-establish their motivation for buying or selling 5. Discuss the situation with your client (ensure they realise you are on their side) -8- COACHING MODULES LISTING 6. Talk to the buyer – negotiate if necessary – explain your responsibilities to your client – the seller APPROACH Do empathise with the customer to demonstrate you are not confrontational. Having done so, here are some examples of what to say in different situations:Survey and Valuation Poor Survey (work amounting to £3,000) – “Firstly Mrs Green, I’ll need to see a copy of the survey report and establish the exact problem. Although I think it is highly unlikely that my client will be able to reduce the agreed price, I need to have all the information to help them with the decision. We may have to obtain some quotes to ensure the estimates are covered.” Leave the door open e.g: “then we’ll see what my client thinks.” Down Valuation – “Mrs Green, it is important to realise that this is just another opinion. What you must consider is that the property is still worth the same to you. You must also consider the fact that the surveyor is valuing to protect the building society’s money in a poor market and may, therefore, not put a true market value on the property.” Retention (£2,000 held by building society) – “Firstly Mrs Green, what does this actually mean to your purchase?” “I cannot go ahead, I need a revaluation” “Before I go to the rest of the people in the chain, can you tell me what you’re able to contribute?” Forced negotiation at exchange In this instance it may be preferable to concede a little in order to effect an immediate exchange. Do not seem over eager to do this. Suggest that, as there had been other people viewing or wanting to view the property when the offer was made, you would like to explore those possibilities before the owner makes a decision. Insufficient salary reference This may be dealt with by the financial consultant and may occur even though some qualification had been done. The two options are: a) To look at alternative finance arrangements to cater for the shortfall b) Concede on a price reduction in order to proceed with the sale -9- COACHING MODULES LISTING Late comparison to other properties This is, understandably a ploy, as no two properties are the same and if it was a better deal, ask yourself why they would be talking to you. The only thing to concentrate on is the difference in price. Remember to sell the benefits. Another buyer and/or offer Another buyer makes an offer on a property which you already have a sale agreed on. “Mrs Green, I am phoning you to inform you that we have another offer which we have had to put to the owner of the property you are buying. I thought it important you should know this has happened in order to give some thought, should it be necessary, to reconsidering your offer.” It is a good idea to remind them that in estate agency law we must submit every offer. Fixtures and fittings The buyer now wants carpets and curtains included in the price. “I understand, Mrs Green, that you wish the owner to include carpets and curtains within the original asking price. As you know, that was not their intention and although I will speak to them, it would certainly be an idea for you to have a price in mind that you may wish to pay for them.” Trade – don’t give SUMMARY OF LEARNING It is not unusual to have to re-negotiate Remember you act for the seller Stick to the rules Trade, don’t give away Learn from the approaches suggested - 10 - COACHING MODULES LISTING NOW CHECK WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNT SO FAR BY COMPLETING THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS a) List four 4 reasons why you may need to re-negotiate ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… ………………………………………………………………………………………………… b) Give three rules for re-negotiation …………………………………………………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………………………………………………. ………………………………………………………………………………………............... c) Give an example of how you might handle a “down valuation” ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. d) Give an example of what you might say when the buyer wants fixtures and fittings included at a later stage ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. - 11 - COACHING MODULES LISTING TAKING AN OFFER AND SALE AGREED OBJECTIVE At the end of this training session, you will be able to use and complete an offer form and record ‘offer and chain’ information accurately and fully. An offer form enables you to: - Assess the situation of the buyer Achieve the best offer Comply with legal requirements Record and control the chain Achieve point of sale financial services Obtain valuation/instruction referrals Record offers accurately USING AN OFFER FORM Buyer Name (with initials), address (with postcode) and telephone numbers Position e.g. first time buyer, house to sell, cash Personal interest (if any) Solicitor’s details Property Market price Offer price ) Date of offer ) or offers, if more than one Time of offer ) Status for financial services Offer Conditions of offer Inclusions Timescale Brief chain details Chain sheet Completed to closed ends top and bottom All buyers/sellers, agents and solicitors All contact names and numbers Ensure that when taking an offer, all initials and postcodes are included and confirmed. Also include any important information such as divorce, probate and the relevant lines of communication. - 12 - COACHING MODULES LISTING GENERAL An offer form should be completed to process all offers. (You are legally obliged to confirm all offers in writing within 24 hours.) Complete/update the chain form as soon as information is obtained The chain form makes an excellent sales progression tool The form acts as a reminder to confirm all offers in writing SALE AGREED Once the sale has been agreed, you will need to complete a sales record with all details required under each heading. The “Memorandum of Sale” must also be completed. All information will be found on an offer form. This must be approved by the branch manager. The following information should be entered in full. Avoid using jargon or shorthand comments:Vacant Possession We understand from the seller that the property will complete with vacant possession. Financial Arrangements We believe that the buyer has their mortgage arranged in principle with the xx building society, via xx financial consultant. Proposed Timescale We would anticipate an exchange of contracts on or before xx days from today’s date. Or we understand from both parties that they have agreed a completion date of xx due to an employment start date, subject to contract and survey. Buyer and Seller Position We have confirmed that the buyer is a first time buyer and that the seller is purchasing a vacant property. Fixture and Fittings We confirm the carpets, where fitted, are included in the sale price. All other items are to be confirmed via the contract. - 13 - COACHING MODULES LISTING Any Other Comments To be used for important information. Caution to be used as these comments will appear on the memorandum of sale e.g: holiday dates, sitting tenants, tenants renting etc. OTHER QUESTIONS At the same time, the following questions need to be answered: - Is the property to remain on the market? Is the property to be taken off the market? Do you want to continue sending property details to the buyer? Board movement – change to ‘Sale Agreed’ SUMMARY OF LEARNING POINTS Use and complete an offer form Place all information, in full Remember, information goes onto the “Memorandum of Sale” More information helps negotiate a sale to completion - 14 - COACHING MODULES LISTING NOW CHECK WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNT SO FAR BY COMPLETING THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS a) What information about the property is recorded when completing an offer form? ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. b) Which of our other services can be offered to our customers at this point? ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. c) What information is recorded on the “Memorandum of Sale”? ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. d) What other questions should you consider once the sale has been agreed? ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. - 15 - COACHING MODULES LISTING CHAIN CHECKING OBJECTION At the end of this training session, you will be able to establish a clear picture of the status of the chain and understand the importance of using good questioning to elicit information. WHAT IS CHAIN CHECKING? Obtaining from the buyer, accurate details of their own ability to complete the purchase Obtaining information from other professional people e.g: estate agents, solicitors etc., on any related house sales either below or above your sale in the chain Verification of all information for accuracy before forwarding to the co-ordinator Giving information to other professionals, to allow them to agree sales, in order for you to proceed to completion Passing information to your seller to give them confidence to agree the sale WHY DO YOU NEED TO CHECK CHAINS? To identify any potential weakness To enhance the value and esteem of your services to your client, by keeping your client fully informed To save time for the co-ordinator by avoiding problems later on in the sale To enable the co-ordinator to find and help solve problems during the progress of the sale WHAT DO YOU NEED TO FIND OUT? For each property involved in the chain you need to find out and record accurately:Property address Price Selling agent, telephone number and contact name Seller Buyer Solicitors - 16 - COACHING MODULES LISTING HOW DO YOU CHECK THE CHAIN? The process is as follows: Starting with the buyer for your client’s property, find out the name of the estate agent acting for the buyer. Telephone the estate agent and check: a) b) c) d) e) f) g) that the property is sold subject to contract and price what problems, if any, are anticipated that the solicitor is the same solicitor that the buyer has instructed in the purchase the name of the buyer for your buyer’s property the name of the buyer’s solicitor the name of that buyer’s estate agent, telephone number and contact name estimated completion date Telephone the estate agency acting for the buyer of your buyer’s property and repeat the process Follow down the chain speaking to each other estate agent in turn, until you find the first link in the chain If your client has already agreed to buy a property, repeat the process up the chain speaking to each agent, in turn, until you find the top Show top and bottom of chain PROBLEMS WITH AGENTS You sometimes find an agent who either can’t or won’t tell you what is happening If this happens, speak to the solicitor acting on the sale of the property concerned. Explain exactly why you are ringing. Be helpful and positive and fully explain your co-ordinator’s involvement If the solicitor won’t speak to you either, you need to speak to the seller of the house concerned, to find out who the buyer is and to check the chain. You must be very careful and tactful when you do this. If you have any doubt, speak to your line manager or your co-ordinator PRIVATE SALES If there is a private sale in the chain, speak to the solicitor. If the solicitor won’t cooperate, speak to the seller of the property concerned, as above - 17 - COACHING MODULES LISTING A TYPICAL CHAIN SHOWING YOUR CONTACT ROUTE THROUGH IT Property address Seller 3 Seller 2 Seller Agent Solicitor Bernard Matthews 0056 569742 Earlsfields 0978 56478 Tim Round Earlsfields 01264 45986 Jayne Smith Smith & Jones 0587 56845 Jeff Young Leggit & Co 0121 256 3695 Susan Wright Fox & Co 0056 369856 Top of end 1 Oak Dene Farm Fall through Dell Mr & Miss Hen Seller 1 15 Miserable Ave Register Hamlet Mr & Mrs Mortimer Offer 110 High Street Viewing Village Mr E Go Buyer 1 Tower View Neg Street Miss Onion Buyer 2 16 Apple Grove Sales Town Mr & Mrs Chapel Buyer 3 First Time Buyer Miss Green Russel Cook & Potter 01356 56985 Brown & Patterson 01264 78952 John Patterson Smith Klein & Wright 0187 675 5647 Peter Klein Robinson Solicitors 0456 23689 Anne Robinson Tarrant & Co 0236 56956 WHEN SHOULD YOU CHECK THE CHAIN? As soon as you can, ideally before putting forward the offer If you haven’t time before contacting the seller with the offer, check the chain as soon as you can afterwards and ensure the seller is aware you have not checked the chain yet Report back to the seller with all the details once you have checked the chain SUMMARY OF LEARNING POINTS You need to know the full details of the chain to know the strength of the offer and to progress the sale Your route through the chain is, in order of preference:- Through the agent - Through the solicitors - Through the buyers and sellers Be very cautious when speaking to buyers and sellers Check the chain as soon as you can Report back to your client NOW CHECK WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNT SO FAR BY COMPLETING THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS - 18 - COACHING MODULES a) LISTING Why is it so important to chain check before the sale agreed is sent? ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. b) What information do you need to collect about each property? ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. c) What information do you need to record about the selling agents in each link? ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. d) What must you remember to inform your sellers about when you put the offer forward? ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. - 19 - COACHING MODULES LISTING SALES PROGRESSING OBJECTIVE At the end of this training session you will be able to:1. 2. 3. 4. Obtain information Understand the implications of that information Take necessary action Report back to all parties concerned through all stages WHAT IS SALES PROGRESSING? Identifying the current position of the sale, from agreeing the sale to exchange of contracts taking place Checking the details of the legal process Checking the progress of any mortgage arrangements being made Recognising potential problem areas and taking the necessary action to produce suitable solutions An opportunity to provide further service to your seller and buyer WHY DO YOU NEED TO PROGRESS SALES? To keep everyone informed and reduce anxiety To speed up the sales process To reduce the chance of the sale falling through To ensure you receive the agreed amount of commission, by eliminating complaints of poor service - 20 - COACHING MODULES LISTING SALES PROGRESS Item Action Letters of sales to all parties Check that they have been sent to buyer, seller & both sets of solicitors. Confirm documentation is completed and on file. Clients instructions to solicitors Check solicitors have received details and have instructions to act on behalf of their clients. If not, telephone buyer & seller to encourage them to contact their solicitors. Introduce yourself to all parties Has the mortgage required been applied for & valuation fee paid? - Who is it with? IF YES – Has survey/valuation been instructed? Introduce financial services (if not done already) IF NO - Investigate further When will it be carried out? Who will be doing it? What are access arrangements? What type of inspection will be made? 1) Valuation 2) House/flat buyers report 3) Structural survey Inform seller/buyer Check that seller’s solicitor has sent contract to buyer’s solicitor IF NO - why not? Report back to seller - or assist if possible IF YES – contact buyer’s solicitor Have they received the Draft Contract and issued their P.E..s? If Protocol is being used, have they received the client information form, the Land Registry and Local Search details? Will other enquiries be raised i.e. boundary disputes? Has it been applied for? When are the answers expected? Has it been carried out, and the report received by building society? What was the valuation & get facts? What were the defects & get facts? Does the report affect the mortgage? Will there be any retentions? If so get estimates for all work required before entering into new negotiations. Warn seller of report contents (with buyer’s permission). If possible, get copy of report. If down valued, consider appeal (get comparables) Ascertain reason, re-negotiate as necessary Is it suitable? Are there any special conditions not mentioned in the survey (i.e. completion by a specific date)? Does the borrower understand the offer letter? Get financial consultant to explain such items as accrued interest and mortgage indemnity premiums Has building society issued their solicitors instructions? Is deposit guarantee scheme being used? Explain to buyer a 10% deposit is normally required on exchange of contracts, but this may be reduced with the seller’s acceptance Check with solicitors what has been agreed, and when exchange & completion are aimed for Maintain contact calls to solicitors for weekly updates. Pass information to buyer and seller. Continue work on matters outstanding from previous progress checks, including continued chain checks Just before target date, check if exchange will take place, confirm commission payment details. How much and who is paying? Contact financial consultant to see if insurance policies will be put into force at exchange. Arrange invoice, confirm access details, for completion e.g: where will keys be available. Inform buyer and seller. Send moving checklist (if applicable). Obtain sellers forwarding address. Be prepared – ensure all parties know that keys cannot be released without permission from the seller’s solicitor. Completion is not always 12.00noon on Friday! What time is completion anticipated? Keep file current until receipt of cheque. Mortgage Survey/Valuation Draft contract Preliminary enquiries Local Search Land Registry Survey / Valuation Mortgage offer Deposit Prior to exchange of contracts Exchange of contracts On completion - 21 - When Within in 24 hours of sale being agreed Within in 48 hours of above As above One week after sale agreed As above 7 – 10 days 7 – 10 days 2 weeks 2 – 3 weeks 2 – 4 weeks Weekly (Earlier if necessary) 4-8 weeks COACHING MODULES LISTING SUMMARY OF LEARNING POINTS There is little point in agreeing sales if you do not nurse them through to completion Obtain accurate and comprehensive information at as many points as possible Have a good system for:- Recording information clearly and accurately Informing all concerned Bringing the file out for checking on a regular and frequent basis Many different problems can, and will, occur You will not always have the answers – seek advice !! Engage brain before mouth!! - 22 - COACHING MODULES LISTING SALES CHECKLIST Sales Negotiator:……………………………………..……. Date:……………………. Address:……………………………………………………… Postcode:……………… Memorandum of Sale Is the purchase price correct? Are solicitors details correct? Are sellers details correct? Are buyers details correct? Is agency agreement on file? Timescale (in weeks) Other interested parties? Finance (Buyer) Does buyer require a mortgage? If yes, is he using your consultant? If not, who? (details) If cash, what is source? Finance (Seller) Does seller require a mortgage? If yes, is he using your consultant? If not, who? (details) If cash, what is source? Chain Details Is buyer dependent on sale? If yes, is chain sheet complete? With agent/solicitor details? Has seller found? (if applicable) If yes, is chain above complete? If yes, is chain sheet complete? With agent/solicitor details? Comments / Info Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No No No Yes No Yes Yes No No Comments / Info Comments / Info Yes Yes No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No No No No No Comments / Info Signed:……………………………………………………………………….…(Negotiator) Signed:……………………………………………………………………………(Manager) Date:…………………………………. NOW CHECK WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNT SO FAR BY COMPLETING THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS - 23 - COACHING MODULES a) LISTING Describe three parts of sales progression. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. b) Give three reasons why we need to progress sales. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. c) In what timescale might you expect the following to be carried out? Memorandum of Sale:………………………………………………………………... Preliminary Enquiries:………………………………………………………………… Local Search:………………………………………………………………………….. Mortgage Offer:……………………………………………………………………….. Exchange of Contracts:………………………………………………………………. - 24 - COACHING MODULES LISTING SALES PROGRESSING OBJECTIVE At the end of this training session you will be able to:5. 6. 7. 8. Obtain information Understand the implications of that information Take necessary action Report back to all parties concerned through all stages WHAT IS SALES PROGRESSING? Identifying the current position of the sale, from agreeing the sale to exchange of contracts taking place Checking the details of the legal process Checking the progress of any mortgage arrangements being made Recognising potential problem areas and taking the necessary action to produce suitable solutions An opportunity to provide further service to your seller and buyer WHY DO YOU NEED TO PROGRESS SALES? To keep everyone informed and reduce anxiety To speed up the sales process To reduce the chance of the sale falling through To ensure you receive the agreed amount of commission, by eliminating complaints of poor service - 25 - COACHING MODULES LISTING SALES PROGRESS Item Action Letters of sales to all parties Check that they have been sent to buyer, seller & both sets of solicitors. Confirm documentation is completed and on file. Clients instructions to solicitors Check solicitors have received details and have instructions to act on behalf of their clients. If not, telephone buyer & seller to encourage them to contact their solicitors. Introduce yourself to all parties Has the mortgage required been applied for & valuation fee paid? - Who is it with? IF YES – Has survey/valuation been instructed? Introduce financial services (if not done already) IF NO - Investigate further When will it be carried out? Who will be doing it? What are access arrangements? What type of inspection will be made? 1) Valuation 2) House/flat buyers report 3) Structural survey Inform seller/buyer Check that seller’s solicitor has sent contract to buyer’s solicitor IF NO - why not? Report back to seller - or assist if possible IF YES – contact buyer’s solicitor Have they received the Draft Contract and issued their P.E..s? If Protocol is being used, have they received the client information form, the Land Registry and Local Search details? Will other enquiries be raised i.e. boundary disputes? Has it been applied for? When are the answers expected? Has it been carried out, and the report received by building society? What was the valuation & get facts? What were the defects & get facts? Does the report affect the mortgage? Will there be any retentions? If so get estimates for all work required before entering into new negotiations. Warn seller of report contents (with buyer’s permission). If possible, get copy of report. If down valued, consider appeal (get comparables) Ascertain reason, re-negotiate as necessary Is it suitable? Are there any special conditions not mentioned in the survey (i.e. completion by a specific date)? Does the borrower understand the offer letter? Get financial consultant to explain such items as accrued interest and mortgage indemnity premiums Has building society issued their solicitors instructions? Is deposit guarantee scheme being used? Explain to buyer a 10% deposit is normally required on exchange of contracts, but this may be reduced with the seller’s acceptance Check with solicitors what has been agreed, and when exchange & completion are aimed for Maintain contact calls to solicitors for weekly updates. Pass information to buyer and seller. Continue work on matters outstanding from previous progress checks, including continued chain checks Just before target date, check if exchange will take place, confirm commission payment details. How much and who is paying? Contact financial consultant to see if insurance policies will be put into force at exchange. Arrange invoice, confirm access details, for completion e.g: where will keys be available. Inform buyer and seller. Send moving checklist (if applicable). Obtain sellers forwarding address. Be prepared – ensure all parties know that keys cannot be released without permission from the seller’s solicitor. Completion is not always 12.00noon on Friday! What time is completion anticipated? Keep file Mortgage Survey/Valuation Draft contract Preliminary enquiries Local Search Land Registry Survey / Valuation Mortgage offer Deposit Prior to exchange of contracts Exchange of contracts On completion - 26 - When Within in 24 hours of sale being agreed Within in 48 hours of above As above One week after sale agreed As above 7 – 10 days 7 – 10 days 2 weeks 2 – 3 weeks 2 – 4 weeks Weekly (Earlier if necessary) 4-8 weeks COACHING MODULES LISTING current until receipt of cheque. SUMMARY OF LEARNING POINTS There is little point in agreeing sales if you do not nurse them through to completion Obtain accurate and comprehensive information at as many points as possible Have a good system for:- Recording information clearly and accurately Informing all concerned Bringing the file out for checking on a regular and frequent basis Many different problems can, and will, occur You will not always have the answers – seek advice !! Engage brain before mouth!! - 27 - COACHING MODULES LISTING SALES CHECKLIST Sales Negotiator:……………………………………..……. Date:……………………. Address:……………………………………………………… Postcode:……………… Memorandum of Sale Is the purchase price correct? Are solicitors details correct? Are sellers details correct? Are buyers details correct? Is agency agreement on file? Timescale (in weeks) Other interested parties? Finance (Buyer) Does buyer require a mortgage? If yes, is he using your consultant? If not, who? (details) If cash, what is source? Finance (Seller) Does seller require a mortgage? If yes, is he using your consultant? If not, who? (details) If cash, what is source? Chain Details Is buyer dependent on sale? If yes, is chain sheet complete? With agent/solicitor details? Has seller found? (if applicable) If yes, is chain above complete? If yes, is chain sheet complete? With agent/solicitor details? Comments / Info Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No No No Yes No Yes Yes No No Yes Yes No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No No No No No No Comments / Info Comments / Info Comments / Info Signed:……………………………………………………………………….…(Negotiator) Signed:……………………………………………………………………………(Manager) Date:…………………………………. - 28 - COACHING MODULES LISTING NOW CHECK WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNT SO FAR BY COMPLETING THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS a) Describe three parts of sales progression. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. b) Give three reasons why we need to progress sales. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. c) In what timescale might you expect the following to be carried out? Memorandum of Sale:………………………………………………………………... Preliminary Enquiries:………………………………………………………………… Local Search:………………………………………………………………………….. Mortgage Offer:……………………………………………………………………….. Exchange of Contracts:………………………………………………………………. - 29 -