Before you get a real estate agent to come and appraise your home or investment property, there are a few things you may want to consider before you obtain your property appraisal estimate.
If you’re selling your property and advertising a sale price on your listing, you’ll want to make sure you’re advertising the highest value possible (within reason).
1. Invest in curb appeal
Make the agent’s first impression count by focusing on the curb appeal of your property. If you’re wondering how to do this, consider things like painting the facade, tidying up the front yard and landscaping your property.
Painting the facade of your property could include exterior walls, window trimmings, the front door and the balcony railing if you have one. A statement front door can have a big impact on buyers.
Landscaping could involve installing new garden edging, trimming or pruning your existing plants and adding fresh mulch to the garden.
2. Make minor updates that pay off
One of the biggest mistakes a seller can make is over-investing in projects that don’t get the seller a return on investment. Low-cost, value-adding projects could include replacing tap-ware, painting windows and doors, polishing the floorboards, updating fireplaces or replacing lighting.
By making some small improvements before you get your property appraisal, you’ll be able to bump up the estimated property value you get when your agent appraises your property.
3. Compare your property with others
There’s no harm in visiting nearby open for inspections and auctions in your area. You’ll then be able to invest in property updates that prospective buyers are looking for in a property.
If your property doesn’t compare to nearby properties, you might want to invest some time and money into minor renovations before getting a property appraisal. Or you can do it the other way around, and get your property appraised in order to find out how much you need to renovate your property to bump up the price.
4. Do a deep clean
A thorough clean can do wonders for your property. An agent won’t be impressed if your property is dirty at your appraisal.
You’re going to need to keep your property clean throughout the whole selling process, so it’s a good idea to invest in a deep clean early on and impress your agent from the get-go, making it easier to kick start the selling process.
5. Install energy efficiency features
Green homes are becoming more and more popular amongst Aussie buyers. So, it’s a good idea to consider updating any built-in appliances to five-star energy rating products.
Other home features that are energy efficient include LED lighting, wall and ceiling insulation and large double glazed windows.