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Our top tips for your house valuation

Dec 20, 2018
Estate Agent Valuation Tips Prepare For a House Valuation

If you’re considering selling your home, our tips will take you through what to do before a house valuation and what you can expect on each visit.

Key Takeaways

Declutter – but don’t depersonalize:
- Get rid of accumulated items.
- Remove bulky furniture to create a spacious feel.
- Leave some personality to help buyers envision their lifestyle.
 
A fresh lick of paint:
- Neutral paint makes rooms appear lighter and bigger.
- Buyers can better imagine adapting the space to their needs.
 
Maximize kerb appeal:
- First impressions matter.
- Maintain windows, roof, front garden, pathways, and fences.
- A well-painted frontage enhances curb appeal.
 
Fix and clean:
- Make minor repairs (e.g., holes, broken knobs, cracked tiles).
- Clean thoroughly (limescale, tile grout, wooden floors, odors).
- Tidy the garden (cut bushes, clean patio, cut grass).

If you’re starting your property search, why not take a look through some of our beautiful available new-build homes? Find your next home >

 

1. Do I need an estate agent valuation?

When it comes to selecting the estate agent you feel will do the best job to get your property seen and sold, it can be worth shopping around.

  • Ask for recommendations from friends or family members
  • You could get a valuation from 2 or 3 estate agents in your area
  • Compare the additional services and effort each agent will go to
  • Of course, it’s crucial to compare the valuation price they offer
  • Advertise your home online

Your relationship with your estate agent is crucial, as they will be the conduit between you and any potential buyers of your property. You will need an estate agent you feel comfortable with and can rely on, as they will act as the go-between in any tricky negotiations, delays, or house-buyer chain implications.

Alternatively, you could make the most of our Part Exchange scheme. We could buy your existing home so you can move into your dream home faster – helping you avoid unnecessary hassle, chains, and estate agent fees. 

Learn more >

2. How to prepare for a house valuation?

There are many factors out of your control that will affect your house valuation, such as your property’s size, location, and the current market. However, if you’re wondering how to get a higher house valuation, a little consideration about how to best show off your property to an estate agent can go a long way.

 

Estate agents do not take photos on valuation, but you should make your property as presentable, clean and inviting as you will for every potential buyer’s visit. Seeing your property in its best light will help make their valuation as accurate, honest and positive as possible.

That said, a good estate agent can see beyond a bit of clutter and will suggest any small tasks you might undertake ahead of photography, such as the odd paint job or carpet clean.

3. What you should ask at your estate agent valuation?

A key house valuation tip is to remember that the first time an estate agent visits, it’s as much a chance for you to get to know them as for them to get to know your property.

When discussing your property with an estate agent, you can ask:

  • What additional services they provide. For example, do they have an easy way for you to track buyer visits and your sale, or will you have regular updates from a dedicated contact?
  • For a breakdown of their fees
  • To see similar properties to yours, their valuation and final selling price
  • For guidance on the market and buyers’ appetite

A property valuation visit might last up to one hour, depending on the size of your home, how many questions you have and the estate agent’s keenness to be awarded your business.

Once appointed, your estate agent will want to send a professional photographer to your property to capture photos of every room and some external shots too.

4. Making your home picture-perfect

Having the best possible photographs of your property for use in marketing materials is your chance to stand out. Making your property look at its most appealing will, hopefully, get more higher and faster bids – or at least, viewings.

  • Declutter: Remove any superfluous items, arrange cushions and throws neatly, remove rugs where you have a great floor to show off. Bins, hoovers, mops, and other cleaning materials need not be on show.

    Tidy up any garden space and move any vehicles that obscure the view of the property, as a photographer is likely to take external shots too.
  • Set the scene: Consider moving furniture around for the benefit of both your estate agent valuation and property photography. Open any curtains and blinds to allow as much natural light in as possible.

    You may want to get in some fresh flowers or plants. Cutting the lawn can showcase your attention to detail, giving a buyer confidence that this your home is well looked after.

By thoroughly preparing for a house valuation, you’ll free up more time to find your next move. Discover some of our available new-build homes here. And don't forget our range of offers from Low deposit to Help to Sell schemes.

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