Getting the best valuation for your home

How many of us have tapped our postcode into the computer with the sole intention of seeing how much our home is worth?

Whether serious about selling or simply carrying out a fact-finding exercise, the danger is that internet-generated results can be misleading – and for this reason there is nothing better than the involvement of a real live professional!

Using a professional valuer from your local area has numerous advantages, say independent estate agents and valuers Harrison Murray.

As well as guiding sellers towards marketing their property at a realistic price, input from a professional valuer ensures that the homeowner receives information based on fact and not fantasy.

Things to bear in mind when valuing your home: 

Valuers will know what properties in your area actually sold for – which won’t always be the same as the asking price. 

Seemingly identical homes may have widely differing values. For example, perhaps one has a conservatory, is a much larger plot or has a room in the attic. 

Are they lots of buyers around? 

What sorts of properties are most in demand? 

Are prices rising or falling at the time of putting your property on the market? 

What’s happening to interest rates? 

How is the market being affected by the euro crisis? 

What is your own situation – do you need to move quickly, have you found somewhere to move to?

Nick Salmon, Harrsion Murray’s managing director said: “All of the above will result in a realistic asking price for selling your home, and sellers can be confident that this is based on fact rather than what a computer wants to suggest.

“By using a professional valuation service, rather than a DIY on-line version, many people are pleasantly surprised with the outcome.”

Someone with extensive experience of valuations in one of Harrison Murray’s operating areas is Leicestershire-based branch manager Sara Quatermass.
She said: “A most important factor when choosing an agent is to trust your instincts. Do you like the person sitting in front of you? Are they genuine? Do they come across and understanding and professional? Does it feel like the valuer is reading from a script, or are they looking at your needs and tailoring their service to suit you?

“Another good tip is to pretend to be a buyer and mystery shop the agent you have asked to value your home. You will get a good feel for how you would be treated as a seller.”

Every one of Harrison Murray’s 18 branches has valuers who will give professional, helpful and friendly advice. For further information, visit harrisonmurray.co.uk.