Practical Exercise – The Unverified Viewing

Scenario

A negotiator is scheduled to conduct a late-afternoon viewing at an unoccupied property. Shortly before the appointment, the original applicant says that a relative will attend instead. The relative’s identity and telephone number have not been verified.

The property is in an unfamiliar location, and the appointment is expected to finish after dark. The negotiator would be attending alone.

Questions for learners

1. What risks are present?
2. What information is missing?
3. What controls could reduce the risk?
4. Should the appointment proceed as arranged?
5. What should be recorded?

Suggested response

The appointment should not proceed as arranged because the attendee has not been verified and the planned safety controls no longer reflect the actual appointment.

The negotiator should:

• Contact the original applicant through the recorded contact details.
• Obtain and verify the substitute attendee’s information.
• Update the appointment record.
• Inform the office of the change.
• Consider rearranging the viewing during daylight hours.
• Consider requiring the attendee to meet at the office first.
• Arrange for a second employee to attend if appropriate.
• Confirm check-in and emergency arrangements.
• Cancel or postpone the viewing if suitable controls cannot be established.

The negotiator should not disclose access codes, leave keys unattended or proceed because of pressure to secure the transaction.