 If you order your Home Report via a solicitor or agent, most Home Report providers include in their fees a commission to the estate agent, solicitor or introducing party, plus their own handling charges - which can inflate fees by up to 100% or more of your hard earned money- in return for absolutely nothing. If you order via our website, you are dealing direct with the Chartered Surveyor and there are no referral fees to pay. We’d love it if you used our service - but if you don’t - make sure you ask the provider you do choose to confirm what commission element is being paid - you may get a nasty surprise.
Since the scheme was launched in December of 2008, most Home Reports have been ordered on behalf of consumers by agents or solicitors.
Like any new system, this one has had its teething problems. Whilst price is important, we recommend that you get answers to the following checklist before you commit to any provider:
a) How far is the surveyor travelling to undertake the inspection?
‘Out of towners’ can sometimes be cheaper but are unlikely to know the local circumstances well. As Home reports often have a mortgage valuation included, the surveyor needs to know your market- now more than ever.
b) Will the surveyor ‘flatter’ your property?
We all like to think our property is perfect, but a report which doesn’t accurately describe the property is likely to disappoint prospective purchasers when they do visit and at worst could be the subject of a future claim.
c) How long before they will inspect?
Demand for property in Scotland is slowly on the increase and we’ve heard horror stories of waits up to two weeks before a Home Report is available. Our valuers usually attend within 24 hours- don’t allow your chance to sell to be dimished because of a poorly organised provider
d) Who am I dealing with?
Like lots of new markets, new entrants pop up- make sure the supplier you choose is credible- and likely to be around if you have a future complaint. Our parent group handle more property inspections than any in Scotland and the wider UK. We’ve been in business for over 20 years, so we’re an organisation you can trust.
Scotland has some of the best property professionals in the UK - but they often don’t come cheap. If you order through one of these organisations, they will pass your request to a suitable Chartered Surveyor, but not before adding a referral commission for themselves of some sort.
In these difficult times, we recognise that you might want to support local business(!), but if on the other hand you think your money is better kept in your own pocket, read on and find out how Home Report Scotland can save you money by cutting out the middleman or if you're ready to order, click here. |
