Of all the questions an estate agency receives, few are worth more than "what is my house worth?" The person asking is a homeowner thinking about selling, or at least curious enough to ask. Handle it well and you may win an instruction. Handle it badly and they ask the next agent.
The tricky part is that the honest answer is "it depends," and nobody wants to hear that. Below are example answers that stay helpful without giving a figure you cannot stand behind.
Why not just give a number?
Instant online estimates are easy to find. Homeowners know they are rough. If your agency gives a figure that is too low, the owner may rule you out. Too high, and you set expectations that cause problems later. A valuer who sees the property can account for condition, improvements and local demand in a way no estimate can.
So the aim is to be useful, explain the process and get a valuer involved. The reasons this matters are covered in valuation requests are your best seller leads.
Script 1: the direct question
Homeowner: What's my house worth? Answer: It depends on things like condition, improvements and what's selling nearby right now, so a valuer would need to see it to give an accurate figure. We offer free valuations with no obligation. Could you tell me the address, the type of property and how many bedrooms? The team can arrange a visit at a time that suits you.
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Script 2: the curious owner
Homeowner: I'm not selling yet, just curious what it might be worth. Answer: That's completely fine, and plenty of people ask a year or two before they move. A valuation is free and there's no pressure to sell. If you share a few details, a valuer can give you an up-to-date figure and explain what might add value before you decide.
This keeps the door open for owners who are early in their thinking. Many become instructions later.
Script 3: after a nearby sale
Homeowner: My neighbour's house sold recently. Is mine worth the same? Answer: Nearby sales are a useful guide, but differences in size, condition and layout can move the price a fair amount. A valuer can compare your home with recent sales on your street and give you a clear figure.
Script 4: the owner who wants a figure anyway
Homeowner: Just give me a rough idea. Answer: Homes like yours in this area have recently sold within a fairly wide range, and where yours sits depends on condition and features. A valuer can narrow that down in a short visit. Would a weekday evening or a Saturday suit you better?
Only mention ranges if they are published and accurate. Otherwise focus on the visit.
What to capture
Whatever the wording, capture:
- Address and property type.
- Bedrooms and any extensions or improvements.
- Reason for asking and timescale.
- Preferred visit times and contact details.
SpideyChat for real estate handles this on your website at any hour, then passes the request to your valuers. It does not produce valuations itself. The installation guide and training guide explain setup.
Why one captured enquiry matters
A single valuation request can be worth a great deal to an agency: the instruction, the sale, and often the owner's next purchase. That value is explored in the value of one captured enquiry. Sellers also ask the same factual questions as buyers, and good standard answers help, as covered in is it still available and other questions to automate.
When the owner is not ready
Some owners will not book a visit yet. Capture their details anyway, with consent, and follow up in a few months with a note about local sales. Treat it like registering demand for something that is not available yet, the same idea used in retail for restock questions.