Putting aside the fact your home is always worth far more than just money to you, it's a valid question to ask for any number of different reasons.You might be thinking of moving, you could be doing some financial planning or perhaps you're simply wondering why the house that's for sale next door is on the market for such a big asking price!In this article we’ll talk about the different ways you can find the answer you're looking for. These days there are many options, ranging from instant online valuations right through to an in depth market appraisal, so how do you know which one is right for you?Let's start from the top...
Do I need a valuation?
Good question. Have you already started scrolling through online property details or looking in estate agent windows? You may have a vague idea of how much your neighbour’s property was sold or let for, but until you have an up to date accurate valuation of your own home you could be spending hours looking either at properties that are realistically out of budget or missing out on a dream home you assumed you couldn’t afford.If you’re serious about moving you’ll need a clear picture of how much you'll be able to spend and your mortgage requirements.So if you need to sell your current property to buy your next home, getting a valuation should be the first thing you do. The question you then have to answer is which of the available options is the one that will give you all the information you need?
Instantly Online
Let's face it, nowadays the temptation to do everything online is a big one.Instant gratification. Instant access. Instant valuation!An online valuation is quick and straightforward. It's really like using a very simple form of AI to tell you something. A computer algorithm looks at data from previous sales in your area and does some sums to calculate a figure for you in a matter of seconds.All you have to do is enter your address, postcode and a few other basic details such as how many bedrooms you have. It's quite an interesting thing to do even if you've no intention of selling!But what about that lovely extension you've spent so much time and money on? Or the new kitchen with the roof lantern and bi-fold doors to the garden? Or the fireplace you opened up and proudly show off even when it's too warm to light a real fire?All of these things and many others will obviously add value to your home. So it's important to remember that an online process simply can't take into account how and why an actual human being might fall in love with your home and be willing to pay a premium price for it.To look at things in that level of detail you need a professional valuation by a real person.
Personal Touch
If you’ve already started your search for a new home you’ll know that two properties might look identical from the outside and its only once you’ve stepped inside that you understand just how different they are.Visiting your home is the only way that an accurate valuation can be made. The condition is as important as the location, but it’s also your own personal plans, timetables and needs that are important things that an experienced estate agent will take into consideration.Why? Well, if you've already put an offer in on your own new dream home and have left it late to put your current one on the market, you might need to price accordingly to try to achieve a super-quick sale.Having an estate agent come to your home for an in-person valuation will take no more than an hour at most. What you should really be looking for is someone who will take everything into account to give you much more than simply a price for your home. Someone who also knows the neighbourhood, appreciates what makes it so desirable and understands who would like to live there.
Property Partners
Hopefully you'll now have a good idea of why a 'real life' valuation is worth so much more that an online one.One last thing - estate agents never get very good results in popularity contests, usually being ranked alongside politicians and bankers! That’s why we think it’s important to let you know that when you book valuation visit from us there will never be a 'hard sell' and of course you’ll be under no obligation to take things any further.A Seymours Partner will take everything into account and listen to what you have to say. They will also give you a full market appraisal, which is far more than a simple valuation - it's a snapshot of how your home fits into the wider picture of the local property market at exactly that moment in time.If you go on to chose and trust us to sell your home, we’ll give you dedicated and consistent service throughout your sale. So get in touch with your local Seymours office and let us provide you with the benefit of our knowledge and expertise. We'd love to be your property partner for life.
