Communication and Negotiation

Question 1

What different forms of negotiation are you aware of?

Answer 1

Verbal, oral, face-to-face, email, written communication.

Question 2

What does the Red Book state about Oral Valuations?

Answer 2

PS 1 para 1.6:

‘For the avoidance of doubt, where – exceptionally – valuation advice is provided wholly orally, the principles set out in this volume should still be observed to the fullest extent possible.

Members are reminded that the mere fact that advice is provided orally does not mean that it is therefore provided without liability – the valuer’s responsibilities and obligations will always depend on the facts and circumstances of the individual case.’

Also, in all jurisdictions valuers acting as expert witnesses should be alert to the fact that both oral and written advice will be subject to the same criteria

Question 3

What does the Red Book say constitutes a written valuation?

Answer 3

PS 1 paragraph 1.3:

The text in the 2020 Global edition has been expanded to clarify that ‘written’ encompasses all forms of communication other than purely oral

Question 4

What mandatory guidance regards written and oral valuations?

Answer 4

Compliance with PS 1 and PS 2 is mandatory for all RICS members providing written or oral valuations

PS 1 - Compliance with standards and practice statements
where a written valuation is provided

PS 2 - Ethics, competency, objectivity and disclosures

Question 5

Explain the role of advocate and expert witness.

Answer 5

Advocate represent the views of their client at VT rather than amplifying their own views.

An expert witness should provide independent assistance to the court by way of objective unbiased opinion in relation to matters within his expertise.

Guidance Notes;

• Surveyors acting as advocates 2nd ed. (2017)
• Surveyors acting as independent experts 9th ed. (2014)