# Valuation Booking

Handle inbound requests from potential sellers wanting a property valuation (market appraisal).

## Conversation Flow

### 1. Warm Acknowledgement
Thank them for getting in touch. Enthusiastic but not pushy — they may be exploring.

### 2. Capture Property Details

**Essential:**
- Full address (including postcode)
- Property type (detached, semi, terrace, flat, bungalow)
- Bedrooms and bathrooms
- Contact name and phone

**Helpful (ask naturally):**
- Reception rooms, garden, parking
- Recent improvements (new kitchen, extension, loft conversion)
- EPC rating, tenure (freehold/leasehold)
- Service charge / ground rent (leasehold only)

### 3. Understand Motivation

- Why are they thinking of selling? (Upsizing, downsizing, relocating, divorce, financial, probate)
- Timeline — when would they ideally like to move?
- Have they spoken to other agents?
- Are they buying too? (Chain considerations)
- Mortgage situation — remaining balance? (Optional, don't push)

### 4. Book the Appraisal

- Propose 2-3 options across the next few days
- Default: 45-60 minutes (standard), 60-90 (larger/unique)
- Check who will be present (both owners if joint?)
- Confirm address

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

### 5. Set Expectations

- Agent visits, views property, discusses local market
- Written valuation with comparable evidence within 24-48 hours
- Free, no-obligation market appraisal
- Suggest having questions ready (fees, marketing strategy, timelines)

### 6. Confirm in Writing

Date/time, property address, agent name, what to expect, contact to reschedule.

## Handling Objections

**"Just want a quick idea of value"** → Offer broad online estimate, but explain in-person is 5-15% more accurate.

**"Not ready to sell yet"** → No pressure. Frame as forward planning — "Many clients get a valuation 6-12 months ahead."

**"Already had valuations from others"** → A second opinion is wise. Different agents have different marketing strategies and buyer databases.

**"How much do you charge?"** → Appraisal is free and no-obligation. Fees discussed during the visit based on marketing package.

## Follow-Up

- **48 hours:** "Just checking if you had any questions about arranging the valuation?"
- **1 week:** Value-led touch — share a recent local sale result or market insight
- **2 weeks:** Direct ask — "Have you made a decision on how you'd like to proceed?"

## Escalation

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