Valuations are an essential aspect of the property investment game and because their result can be so crucial, here’s five elements to understand about the process.

1. It’s not an exact science

Valuers are only human; therefore the determinations they make as to fair market value of a property will be somewhat subjective in nature.

There’s also the prospect of the valuer being legally liable if they place too high a price on the property, and the bank subsequently loses money on the loan.

Many in the property industry believe this threat to the valuer causes them to be conservative with their estimates.

2. It’s not a real estate appraisal

Real estate agents can be notoriously bullish when it comes to appraising property, because they want to secure the listing to sell your property and they know they’re competing against other agents for your business.

They’re also well aware that home owners and property investors alike, want to achieve a good price for their dwelling.

So although most agents are very professional, they can alter their estimates upwards to meet your expectations.

This is in contrast to independent valuations, performed by valuers without any vested interests.

They are tasked with one duty only – valuing the property in question.

And importantly, the end value they attribute to the property makes no difference as to how much they get paid.

3. Not all valuations are created equal

We often talk about valuations like there’s only one generic process undertaken by every valuer; however this is not the case.

But as a property investor, you need to be aware that how the valuation is carried out can have a direct influence on the end outcome.

Full valuations are, as the name implies, the most comprehensive and involve a complete internal and external inspection of the premises, as well as researching comparable sales and the overall local property market.

Restricted valuations; often referred to as “kerbside” or “drive by” valuations, involve market research as well as an external inspection of the property.

You can see why it might be problematic for the valuer to never set foot inside your property before making their assessment.

4. Comparable sales are relied on heavily

One of the main forms of data a valuer consults to determine their estimate for your property is comparable sales in the area.

That is, recent sales of dwellings close to your property and similar in type and size.

Comparable sales can sometimes be difficult to obtain in remote areas or for buildings with unique features and styling, so this can make it trickier for valuers to come up with figures.

In other words, the less comparable stock there is to use as a yardstick, the more likely valuers will be to rely on their own subjective interpretation of what your property is worth.

5. You can be a part of the process

Most property investors are not aware that they can actually assist the valuer in their assessment of your premises.

You can also be present throughout the valuation to answer any questions they might have, with all information about the property close at hand.

While you don’t want to appear to be tampering with, or trying to influence the independent process, it doesn’t hurt to give valuers any information that might be pertinent to their judgment, such as improvements undertaken since purchase.

Getting the best valuation outcome:

While we may not always get the result we want from an independent valuation, property investors can be pro-active when it comes to achieving the best potential outcome by:

• Providing your own list of well researched comparable sales – a valuer may or may not use this information.

• Obtain your own valuation and request a review if you’re not happy with the figure provided by the bank appointed valuer.

• Ask to see the valuation report so you know how they’ve worked out the price for your property and can read any additional comments made.

• Do your own research and have a thorough understanding of the local property market.

Remember, nothing gives you more power in the property investment game than well-rounded knowledge.

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