Valuer Scott Windle’s role has evolved over the last 18 months and, as well as valuing homes across the South West and South Wales, he’s now busy building relationships with future clients.
Keen golfer Scott, 34 from Wiltshire, drives Property Perspective’s valuations across the South West and South Wales.
His primary role is to value existing properties belonging to people buying a new build home, ensuring he gives accurate advice so they can achieve the best price for their property within the desired timeframe.
However, since the onset of Covid, he’s been actively promoting Property Perspective’s services to potential new housebuilder and developer clients in his region.
Tell us more about your role…
When valuing, I thoroughly research all of the properties we are asked to visit. I also tap into the local knowledge of traditional high street estate agents, with whom we have good working relationships, which all helps towards appropriate pricing. I then prepare an appraisal report outlining all of the key features about the property, location and the recommendations on pricing.
Forging new relationships is something I’ve started to focus on post-covid; promoting our services to housebuilders and developers and showing them how we can help add value to their agency assist and part exchange schemes with our enthusiastic and forward-thinking approach.
How has it been working through a global pandemic?
It’s been a very busy year as lots of people have had time to reflect on their needs and wants, which has prompted many of them to decide to move to a new house. Most commonly this has been to have a larger garden or more space to be able to work from home. Within the property sector we’ve been very lucky to be able to continue to work throughout the pandemic, albeit with some changes to help keep everyone as safe as possible.
What changes have you had to adapt to while working through Covid?
We’ve tried to make the valuation process as safe as we can for everyone, especially as we are visiting people in their homes. This means minimising contact and wearing face coverings and gloves. This has been one of the biggest things to get used to as so much of our job involves talking to people and building relationships and rapport with them, which can sometimes prove more difficult with face coverings on!
We aim to spend the minimum amount of time possible in people’s houses with more of the appointment taking place over the phone so we can keep viewings short. This has been a big change as normally we would be happy to have a chat with the customer on the sofa with a cup of tea!
What do you enjoy most about your job?
It has to be the variety. Each day is different with a different set of challenges, and the fact that you get to meet lots of people, hear their stories and help them move on to the next chapter in their lives is always rewarding.
Do you have any tips for homeowners looking at moving home in the coming months?
The market is currently very busy and there is a real supply and demand issue. This means that sellers are achieving some fantastic prices because there is less competition and not enough choice for buyers. In a lot of cases our properties are getting multiple offers as there are more buyers than houses available and buyers don’t want to miss out.
In terms of advice, first impressions are still very important so, if you are thinking of selling, give the house a good de-clutter, touch up any paintwork and tidy up the garden. By doing this it will help to show off the property in the best light.
What do you think the next year or so has in store for the property industry?
The million-dollar question is what will happen to the market in the future and, to be honest, no one truly knows. I think at some point the market will toughen up and, with the stamp duty holiday ending, fewer people may decide to move. It is more likely to be those who have a genuine reason, such as relocating or needing to upsize/downsize, rather than people who are moving ‘just because’ and taking advantage of the stamp duty saving.
Whatever happens on the property front, it’s a big year for me. I got engaged to my partner Mia last year so we are currently looking at venues and hoping to set a date so I’ll be wedding planning as well as carrying out valuations!
Want to know more?
If you’re a housebuilder or developer who wants to know more about how Property Perspective can work with you on Part Exchange and Agency Assist schemes email: enquiries@thepropertyperspective.co.uk or call 0845 6800 262 for more information.