Tips for a house valuation

Making the decision to sell your property is an emotional choice that can carry a lot of weight. The last thing a seller wants to see is their property be valued for less than they believe it’s worth.

This is why taking the time to properly prepare and set up your home for valuation is crucial to ensure it is valued at the most optimal price.

How to prepare your home for valuation

Presentation matters

One of the first things a seller should do before having their property valued is to make sure it is presented well. This may mean throwing a little bit of money into superficial renovations, such as replacing doorknobs and a fresh coat of paint in some rooms.

If the appliances or fixtures are a few decades old, you may also want to consider renovating and updating key areas of the home that can affect the property’s value, such as the bathroom and kitchen. A spare bedroom with old fixtures will tend to matter less to potential buyers than a bathroom with a sink and shower from the ‘70s.

You’ll also want to spend some time on external features of the home, including mowing lawns and trimming edges, as well as mending broken fences. Adding storage can also be a great way to increase value, especially if the property is on the smaller side, such as a terrace house or apartment. This may include installing build in wardrobes or a shed. 

Timing is everything

Don’t rely on telling valuers that this work will be organised in the future. Instead, try to have all the appropriate work completed so that your property is presented at its very best before getting it valued. And if you are waiting on improvements and renovations, show the valuer these plans, including timelines and quotes, to assist them in getting your property valued correctly.

Timing is also crucial when it comes to house valuation. If very similar properties are up for sale in your area, you may want to consider waiting until they have sold before you seek valuation. If the market is hot and the properties sell above reserve, it can be good ammunition to present a valuer with.

Be realistic

Finally, keep in mind that valuers are not real estate agents. They are not there to boost your ego with the promise of a generous property price, they must assess the property’s fair market value. Even if you may feel the value presented is conservative or unfair, keep in mind that it is their job to find the fair market value of your property. And it’s the role of your agent to try and push for the home to sell for a price that is closer to your expectations.

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