Notice and offer
The person on your doorstep
The right of way agent is the agency\u2019s representative in the acquisition. They are usually professional, often helpful, and they are not neutral. Both halves of that matter.
Two sides
What the role is and is not
What they are
A professional acquiring property on behalf of an agency, usually working to a programme, a budget and a timetable. Many are experienced, straightforward and genuinely useful sources of information about the project.
What they are not
Your adviser. They represent the buyer. Information they give you is generally accurate and the framing of it serves the acquisition, which is what you would expect of anyone negotiating for the other side.
Practical
How to handle the relationship
| Situation | A sensible approach |
|---|---|
| First visit | Listen, take the documents, ask questions, commit to nothing |
| Asked for a figure on the spot | Say you will respond in writing once you have read the appraisal |
| Told the offer expires soon | Ask for that in writing, then verify it independently |
| Told you do not need a lawyer | Note it, and decide separately. It is not their call |
| Asked to sign a right of entry | Read it. Entry for survey is often permitted anyway; signing may give more |
| Given verbal assurances about restoration | Ask for them in the agreement. Verbal terms do not survive |
Tone
Businesslike beats adversarial
Owners sometimes treat the agent as the author of their situation. They are not, and the hostility is usually counterproductive: it closes down an information channel that is genuinely useful and it rarely changes a figure.
The more effective posture is polite, documented and slow. Put requests in writing. Confirm conversations by email afterwards. Take the time you need. An agent who finds you reasonable and organised is more likely to take a counteroffer upstairs than one who finds you difficult.
Questions about the agent
Do I have to let them onto the property
For survey, many states permit entry with prior notice whether you agree or not. For an appraisal inspection you can refuse, and it generally works against you. Being present during the inspection is better than either.
They recorded what I said in their file. Is that normal
Yes. Agents keep contact logs, and they are part of the acquisition record. Assume every conversation is written down, which is a reason to keep your own notes.
The agent is a contractor, not an agency employee
Common, particularly on large projects. The same considerations apply. Ask who they work for and who has authority to settle.
They say a different owner down the road accepted the same rate
Possibly true and not relevant to your property. Valuations are specific, and a rate per square foot says nothing about damage to a remainder.
Not sure what to do next
Most owners are reacting to a document they did not expect. Working through it in order is easier than it looks.