What to Expect During a House Valuation

If you’re considering selling your home, one of the first steps you’ll encounter is the house valuation. It might seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s exactly what to expect, presented clearly and informally, so you can tackle it confidently and get the best answer to that burning question: ‘How much is my house worth?‘.

Before you even invite an estate agent to give you a valuation, you should try several online valuation tools to get a ballpark figure that you can compare and contrast with the agent’s findings. Online tools are increasingly accurate, and it’s good to have a baseline to understand just what you can do to boost your home’s sale price.

Curb Appeal Counts

When the estate agent arrives, first impressions count. They will start assessing your home before they even step through the door. They’re looking for that all-important curb appeal. A neatly trimmed garden, freshly painted doors, and even something as simple as clean windows can create a positive first impression. Some studies have shown that good landscaping alone can add 5-20% to the price of your property.

Inside, the agent will examine the overall condition of your property. They should accurately measure each room, evaluate the layout, and note any signs of wear and tear.

Expect them to pay more attention to the kitchen and bathroom, as well as built-in fixtures and fittings, as these can have a significant impact on the final valuation. A newly renovated kitchen can add 5-10% to the value of your home, while a tired kitchen or bathroom can significantly reduce your sale price.

Storage space is another factor that affects the overall price. So clear out any built-in closets, make your loft or cellar accessible and usable, and let them know about it.

Get Feedback and Prepare to Improve

Take the opportunity to talk to the agent as they work and find out what you can change to boost your property’s value without breaking the bank. Minor modifications like retrofitting for energy efficiency, a fresh coat of paint on a tired wall or ripping up old carpets and laying down laminate flooring can significantly impact the price. Also, let the agent know about any renovations you have done, including extensions or modern heating systems, as they will all help your home stand out in a crowded market.

After the full inspection, the valuer will look at localised property sales, the current market trend, and your proximity to local amenities before giving you the final estimated market value. Of course, this isn’t a guarantee that you’ll achieve that sale price, but it’s a solid baseline you can use to market your home.

How to Get the Best Valuation

You should treat the valuation like selling your home to a potential buyer. So clean and declutter your home, take care of the basic maintenance you may have learned to live with over the years and consider the landscaping and paint in your home. Even oiling a squeaky door can make a difference. Treat this as a dry run for the viewing process and think about anything that could help.

Have receipts and planning permission documents on hand for any major work, and make the valuer’s job as easy as possible. They’re on your side, but they’re also a professional there to do a job. So, make sure you present your home in the best possible light and give them a reason to increase your valuation.

Treat the valuation like your first viewing, stage your home accordingly and set the tone for a smooth and successful sales process.