Robert Bell & Company

Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve gathered the answers to the questions we’re most often asked about our services - from surveys and lettings to auctions, agriculture and commercial property. Start here to find what you need.

Woodhall Spa Office

Auction FAQs

Here are some of the questions we’re most often asked about our auctions - from antiques to property, farm dispersals to online bidding.

Can’t find what you need?

Most sales take place at our Queen Street Sale Room in Horncastle, though property and farm dispersals may be held on-site.

Antique and general furniture sales take place roughly every six weeks, with specialist auctions scheduled throughout the year.

Yes, we offer open viewing two days before each sale. Times are listed on our website and in auction catalogues.

Yes, leave your maximum bid via a bidding slip or email before 9:00 am on sale day and we’ll bid on your behalf.

Yes, register through easyliveauction.com to join our live webcast auctions. A buyer’s premium and internet surcharge apply.

Yes, for lots estimated over £50. Requests must be submitted by 4:00 pm the day before the sale.

Our buyer’s premium is 15% plus VAT. Additional online bidding fees apply when using easyliveauction.com.

Collections are by appointment from Queen Street or other designated locations. No collections are allowed on the sale day.

We recommend Pack & Send for national and international shipping. You may also use your own courier if they can pack your items.

Survey & valuation FAQs

Here are answers to the questions we’re most often asked about our professional survey and valuation services.

Can’t find what you need?

A RICS Home Survey is a property inspection report designed to help buyers understand a property's condition before purchase and avoid unexpected repair costs.

The Condition Report is more basic. The HomeBuyer Report includes a valuation, rebuild cost and detailed advice on defects and repairs.

Yes, we offer RICS Building Surveys for older or larger homes, or properties needing renovation, with detailed analysis of defects and maintenance.

We’ll advise based on the property's age, condition and your plans. Contact us for tailored advice.

A Red Book valuation follows strict RICS guidelines, ensuring consistent and professional reports suitable for tax, sale or court purposes.

Yes, we provide accurate valuations for Inheritance Tax, Capital Gains Tax and probate, fully compliant with HMRC and RICS requirements.

Agricultural FAQs

Here are some of the most common things we get asked about our agricultural and rural services. If you need more detail, please get in touch and we'd be happy to help.

Can’t find what you need?

Yes, we manage farms, estates, residential lets and commercial land, tailoring our service to meet your specific needs.

Yes, we handle new tenancies, renewals and disputes for AHA and FBT agreements, offering practical support throughout the process.

We market farms, land and rural property locally and nationally, advising on pricing, sales strategy and legal processes.

We assist with budgeting, contract farming, grant applications and day-to-day decisions to keep your business efficient and compliant.

Yes, we manage BPS claims, compliance checks and environmental schemes like NELMS, HLS and Countryside Stewardship.

We handle tenancies, rent collection, maintenance, finance and compliance, ensuring everything runs smoothly on your behalf.

Yes, we help with planning, grant funding and project delivery for rural tourism, conversions and renewable energy schemes.

Commercial FAQs

Whether you're buying, selling, letting or developing, here are the questions we’re most often asked about our expert commercial property services across Lincolnshire.

Can’t find what you need?

We handle shops, offices, industrial units, development sites and investment properties across Lincolnshire and beyond.

Yes, we provide full commercial property management including tenant liaison, rent collection and maintenance coordination.

Absolutely. We’ll advise on value, prepare marketing, find buyers and negotiate the best sale terms for you.

We use tailored marketing strategies, including listings, local promotion and national reach to attract serious buyers or tenants.

Yes, we conduct RICS-compliant valuations for sales, lettings, reinstatement, rating appeals and development land.

Rent & Let FAQs

Here are some of the most common things landlords and tenants ask us about our residential lettings and management services.

Can’t find what you need?

We advertise widely, vet applicants thoroughly and use trusted referencing services to match your property with reliable tenants.

Yes, we manage all repairs and can authorise emergency work up to £100 without prior approval.

We typically use six-month Assured Shorthold Tenancy agreements that roll into periodic tenancies if not renewed.

Landlords must comply with gas, electrical, fire and Legionella safety, including alarms and window restrictors where required.

Yes, all properties must have an EPC rated E or above before being let.

Yes, we provide a comprehensive management service, covering everything from rent collection to safety checks and tenant queries.

Buying & Selling FAQs

Here you can find a selection of questions we’re often asked about buying and selling property.

Can’t find what you need?

Professional photography is a powerful tool for selling your home. High-quality images create a strong first impression, attract more buyers and highlight key features, making your property more desirable (whilst increasing its perceived value).

Listings with professional photos receive more views, sell faster and appeal to out-of-area buyers. Investing in professional photography is a simple yet effective way to maximise interest and achieve the best possible price for your home.

More about photography

Before agreeing to a sale, we thoroughly assesses a buyer’s chain of sale to reduce risks and ensure a smooth transaction. We'll determine whether the buyer is in a chain, a first-time buyer or a cash purchaser.

If a chain exists, your agent will investigate its complexity, contacts relevant parties and verifies financial readiness, such as mortgage approval or cash availability. They also assess potential risks, like weak links or delays and provide clear updates to the seller. This due diligence helps secure a more reliable and efficient property sale.

More about chains here

Managing a property chain requires estate agents to act as the central coordinator, ensuring clear communication, proactive problem-solving and meticulous organisation. They keep all parties informed, identify and resolve issues early, manage timelines and liaise with solicitors and other agents.

By staying flexible, negotiating compromises and providing reassurance, they help prevent delays, reduce stress and keep the chain moving smoothly toward completion.

Find out more here

Selling your Lincolnshire home with Robert Bell & Company through The Mayfair Office, London, offers a unique advantage by connecting you to a wider pool of buyers, including high-net-worth individuals and international investors.

Their extensive network provides national and international reach, while premium marketing platforms, professional PR and tailored advertising ensure maximum exposure.

Find out more here

Having us accompany buyers during viewings ensures a smooth, professional experience that maximises your property’s appeal. Agents highlight key features, provide immediate answers and offer an objective perspective, making buyers feel comfortable.

Their expertise allows them to tailor the viewing to each buyer’s preferences while maintaining security and privacy. Additionally, their presence builds confidence, reassures buyers of the property's value and gathers useful feedback to refine the sales strategy.

Find out more here

Hosting an open day when selling your home is a powerful strategy to attract multiple buyers at once, creating competition and urgency. It saves sellers time by consolidating viewings into a single event while allowing the property to be showcased at its best. The buzz generated can lead to faster offers and potentially higher sale prices.

Additionally, estate agents can gather valuable feedback to refine marketing efforts. A well-managed open day maximises exposure, encourages quick decisions and increases the chances of securing the best deal.

Find out more here

Preparing your home for viewings is all about making a strong first impression. Start by decluttering and deep cleaning to create a tidy, spacious feel.

Address minor repairs like chipped paint or squeaky doors to show the home is well-maintained. Boost curb appeal with a tidy garden, clean windows and a fresh coat of paint. Depersonalise the space by removing family photos so buyers can picture themselves living there.

Let in natural light, neutralise odours and create a welcoming atmosphere with fresh flowers or soft lighting. Finally, highlight key features by arranging furniture to showcase the home’s best aspects.

Find out more here

When hosting a viewing, sellers should let their estate agent lead, as they know how to highlight key features effectively. Creating a welcoming atmosphere with good lighting, comfortable temperatures and pleasant scents enhances the experience.

While friendliness is key, sellers should avoid hovering to give buyers space. Highlighting key features succinctly, being honest about the property and offering local insights build trust. Keeping personal experiences to a minimum helps buyers imagine themselves in the home. Finally, following up with the agent for buyer feedback can provide useful insights for future viewings.

Find out more here

A professional valuation ensures your property is priced accurately, helping to attract serious buyers and avoid overpricing or undervaluing.

It provides an expert assessment of your home’s market value based on current trends, location and condition.

A correct valuation can speed up the sale process, prevent delays, and help you achieve the best possible price.

More about valuations