The Prepared Negotiator

Having worked in the Lettings industry for a long time you realise that on the whole, Letting (and Sales) Negotiators are often ill prepared when conducting a viewing.

It has always been my aim to ensure a Negotiator is sent out with:

a) Business card and set of details
b)The Negotiator Essential Briefcase

Its my opinion that Negotiators should be able to show every property in its best light. This becomes critical as the winter months approach.

A negotiator should always arrive 5 minutes before a viewing, lamps and lights put on, a squirt of air freshener, any external doors you need to go through unlocked and ready for access. Preparing a property to show it at is best potential is key.

Essential Briefcase contents:

Air Freshener - A quick squirt of forest pine can blast away the smells of an empty closed up property, smells entice memories, musty is off putting.

Torch - As night falls there are dark spots that make it difficult to even find the porch light switch. Its essential that in a dark spot an outside light is on before the viewing commences for the Negotiators safety and so a client is not put off because they feel concerned about the dark. This is not limited to rural areas.


Shoe Covers - I am amazed that agents do not insist all staff have these for their Negotiators and their prospective tenants. In the wet weather even a good wipe will leave some debris on the shoe and not everyone wants to take their boots off when its cold. Shoe covers save any embarrassment and more importantly protects the owners carpet from dirty footprints.

WD40 - For the tricky lock or the rusty bolt on the back gate or shed.

A Light Bulb - When you show the property in the day you may not have noticed there was no hall light - a prospective tenant needs to be able to see and dark properties are not as welcoming.

A Compass - For the inevitable "which way is the garden facing?" question.

Box of Tissues - Anyone who has been in this role will know that at some point someone wants to use a loo in a property. If the property is vacant there may not be loo roll. It makes you stand out from other agents if you are prepared.

Camera - If you spot something you think your client needs to be aware of from wasp nests to leaks- a photo now saves another journey later.

Paper, marker pen and sticky tape - maybe leave a note on a communal door if you want to nip up to the flat before hand.

I know this may sound excessive, however being prepared and being able to cope with any situation makes the difference between a poor agent and a good agent. It shows a level of professionalism and that the Negotiator is taking pride in ones job.