There are lots of instant valuation tools out there that help you get an idea of what your property may sell for if you’re thinking about moving, but they’re not always spot on, and, if you’re basing a big decision on that figure, that’s not always helpful either!
If you want something more accurate so you’ve got all the information you need, consider the value a real live estate agent can bring!
1. Current market conditions
Fluctuations in the market can change more quickly than you think and make a real difference to the value of your home. Let’s say there’s a huge surge in demand for properties in specific areas; but the 3 months before that house prices and sales were in a slump? Or, we’re hit by a pandemic and all of a sudden a home office is at a premium! An algorithm may not be able to handle that kind of fluctuation.
If you want an accurate price right off the bat, speaking to an agent and showing them your home gives you every opportunity to discuss the property market in your area and work out a pricing strategy that suits you. Do you want to move sooner rather than later, or do you have the time to wait for the right buyer and the right price?
2. The data behind the price
You want to know you’re getting the best price possible for your property, and an agent has the knowledge and experience of your local area to have that information to hand. What properties like yours have previously been sold for, what you’re competing against for buyers’ attention, if your area is popular or not, what local amenities and schooling are at a premium… they also know if any improvements or additions that you’ve made to your home will affect what people are willing to pay.
Instant valuations work out a figure from land registry information or with predictive pricing algorithms using general market averages as a starting point. Not the love, care and attention you’ve put into your home.
Having said all that though, you could do the comparison between the two? If you’re looking for a ballpark figure and you have the time before you’d like to get cracking on your move to keep going back to an instant valuation to see if the figure has changed, then it can be the right route for you. If so, give our instant valuation a go
HERE. Then give us a call to see how accurate it was!