Many old properties may not be in very good condition. But they still are valuable. Why? Mostly because they can be refurbished or rebuilt entirely. This is why they usually fetch a good price. But one cannot depend only on brokers or agents or property owners to evaluate the land. Sometimes the owner is greedy and expects a bigger price, sometimes an agent in between quotes a higher price so that it benefits him, sometimes the buyer may be just rich and may not have rival bidders or competitors so quotes a fancy pricey according to his choice.
But now the industry has attained a level of professionalism and valuers who have correct knowledge and are impartial are used to assess the property. Even if it has to be handed over from one brother to another the valuer needs to correctly assess the worth of the property. Usually a lawyer does the valuation so that a stamp of legality can be given to the property and no disputes rise thereafter. A known property valuer will charge a good amount to the job.
Property Managers/ Property Brokers/ Property Agents etc
Dealing with one person who knows the entire property inside out is important. Usually when an agent shows the property to a prospective client he knows the property manager dealing with it. He normally deals on behalf of the owner.
He looks after the property and keeps in good shape till it is sold to the next owner.
Brokers and agents now all over India have associations. So certified ones and those registered with the respective associations will definitely not cheat you when you are buying property.
Even if there are disputes it can be challenged or sorted out through the right channels. Real estate listings usually give area wise contacts of brokers and agents listed with them. So even if one does not know one a portal provides the details.