A figure attached to a property is only useful when you know what it represents. A rating valuation, an online estimate, a salesperson’s appraisal and a registered valuation are different forms of information. None should be treated as a guaranteed future sale price.
A rating valuation supports council rating and reflects a valuation date. It does not follow every improvement, change in condition or movement in buyer demand in real time. Check the date and property details behind the figure before using it in a selling decision.
An online estimate also depends on its source information and assumptions. If an estimate differs from your expectations, identify which facts may be missing rather than choosing the largest number. Ask for an explanation that accounts for the actual home.
A salesperson’s appraisal is an evidence-based opinion of the likely selling range in the current market. The Real Estate Authority explains the requirement for realistic comparable evidence when appraising a property for an agency appointment.
Ask to see the relevant completed sales and the differences between them and your home. In Devonport and the nearby peninsula areas, layout, condition, access, usable outdoor space and the actual position can all change the comparison. A nearby sale is a starting point for analysis, not an automatic match.
Write down each comparable property, when it sold, why it is relevant and the important differences. Separate completed-sale evidence from current asking prices, which show competition rather than a completed result. Ask which parts of your home are likely to matter most to the buyers being considered.
If two appraisals differ, ask the salespeople to explain their reasoning. An attractive figure without a credible campaign and evidence may not help you plan the next move. Your target price and the market’s response are related questions, but they are not the same.
A lender or another party may require a registered valuation for a specific purpose. Check the requirements with that party and use an appropriately qualified valuer. A sales appraisal does not replace a valuation commissioned for another purpose.
Request a Devonport property appraisal and include your address, plans, relevant alterations and preferred timing. Read about selling costs and agreements before appointing a salesperson, or return to the selling guide.