Sandwich Placement Student - Residential Valuations Review

• finding and analysing comparable properties relating to residential valuations – This will be using online search tools, such as Molior, Lon Res, Rightmove
• inspecting properties
• measuring properties
• photographing properties
• taking inspection notes on properties
• undertaking due diligence on properties (finding floor risk, planning applications, title documents, listed status etc.)
• sending professional emails to clients and colleagues
• quoting fees to clients
• taking video/voice calls with clients regarding the methodology used to value a property or the reasoning behind a specific value
• writing the front end of reports ( includes writing descriptions of properties, writing descriptions of location and situation, inserting and labelling photographs)
• undertaking straight-line valuations calculations
• assessing the market rent of residential properties both single unit and blocks of flats
• formatting word documents to be of a professional standard
• contacting local agents to discuss valuations and comparables as well as the market for specific areas
• arranging inspections
• printing documents and preparing documents for meetings and peer reviews
• peer reviewing valuations with one or more colleagues
• writing up peer reviews (what was said by who and does everyone agree with the value show some evidence as to how you arrive at a specific value)
• writing up comparable schedules ( tables with multiple comparable properties that includes sale price, slae date, address, brief descriptions and condition)
• using Savills index to calculate values at different dates

During my initial starting months I was given minor responsibility however in the second half of my placement I began to take on more responsibility on my work load, and completing both full valuations, communicating with clients meeting both their expectations as well as my teams.

I have built upon a number of existing skills which have been put to the test on a day to day basis, including time management, my communication skills with my team, problem solving, discipline and my adaptability to different scenarios such as working on many projects at once for different managers.
However I have also learnt a multitude of new skills including how to value residential properties within PCL, and how to conduct myself within a corporate office setting.
This includes meetings, with my team and managing expectations. In regards to valuations, specifically communication with clients such as the bank, as well as local agents for gaining valuable opinions to aid us with our valuations.
Another skill I have developed is my leadership in taking control on certain tasks whilst managing expectations for both my managers and their clients. This may entail taking a proactive approach in doing a full valuation for it to be reviewed by my colleagues who come to a final conclusion on values.

I was given plenty of training throughout my placement by various members of my team.

Savills has a great company culture and is a very sociable business, particularly experienced from my within my team. The general atmosphere was positive and a good environment to work in despite when the work load increased.

I really enjoyed my placement experience, with my first time in the corporate world I did not know what to expect, however was more than satisfied with my time spent their.

Yes