A valuation is generally a relatively quick process and takes very little preparation on the homeowners part. With that being said, there are a few things that you should be doing prior to the valuers’ arrival. It’s important to remember this in order to properly prepare your home and to ensure the entire valuation is conducted smoothly, in a timely and efficient manner. Here, we have listed a few things that homeowners can do to ensure this is possible.
Ensure full access
In order to complete a full valuation, the valuer will need to have access to every room in the house. As such, it is the home-owners responsibility to ensure that each room is unlocked and the valuer can view every part of the house. This includes anything and everything that is a part of the property, such as outdoor areas, basements and/or any balconies the home has.
If your property is being rented out, the tenants should be given prior notice and informed of the exact time and date the valuation will be taking place.
The tenant should also be briefed so that they can ensure the entire property is available for the valuer to view. You should also ensure that the valuer has access to any communal facilities or any shared spaces that comes with the property, including pool areas, gyms, parks, etc. Having this done in advance will speed up the process by ensuring access is possible as and when the valuer needs it.
Provide necessary documentation
Before your valuer comes to your home, you should have all the necessary documents prepared in advance. This includes any building plans, rates notices and any other documents relating to your property. You should also provide any ‘No Objection Certificates’ and/or any planning permissions that your property has for any future work that can be done on the property. The more paperwork you can provide, the more accurate the valuation can be. This can help make the space seem more spacious and better present all the available space you have.
Ensure the property is tidy
First impressions count. Whilst a good valuer will be able to look past a bit of clutter, however a thorough cleaning and tidy up will help show your property in the best possible light and will be easier to assess. Some key areas to keep in mind would be the bathrooms and kitchen area as these can add great value to your property. It would also be advised to do a full vacuum and sweep as well as taking out any rubbish you have.
As a homeowner, you should never neglect your garden or other outdoor areas when it comes to valuations. This means you should mow your lawn and trim any overgrown weeds and shrubbery. Lighting is also a key factor, as it can make a space feel a lot roomier. If you are not currently living on the property, try and ensure that electricity is connected. Otherwise, try to organise the valuation to be conducted during the day so there is plenty of natural light illuminating your home. This is especially important considering the valuer will need to take many photos of the property.
Highlight key features of the home
It is important to highlight any changes or renovations that have been conducted on the property. The homeowner will be in charge to provide documentation to prove what and when these changes were made. This is even more important for changes that have been made that the valuer may not immediately notice or are not visually obvious. Some examples would be new air conditioning units, irrigation systems, or any structural changes/improvements that have been done. What’s more, the valuer should be informed of any other spaces that the property can use that are outside of the physical unit space. This will include any car parking spaces, as well as any communal amenities that property owners can use. This could include communal parks/green spaces, gyms, swimming pools, tennis courts or any other facilities.
Keep it COVID-19 friendly
Now more than ever, it is important to ensure proper hygiene protocols are put in place, with the homeowner preparing for the visit. Whilst the valuer themselves will take necessary precautions, such as wearing a mask and using hand sanitiser, it is the homeowners’ responsibility to ensure the safety of themselves and the valuer. The property should be sanitised with anti-bacterial spray. You should also keep all doors open, providing a clear pathway for the valuer, with them not needing to touch any doors or door knobs unnecessarily. Further to this, if the property has multiple occupants, they should either be advised to vacate the house whilst the valuer conducts the work, or they should remain in one room, minimising any potential contact the valuer will have with other people.
Set an allocated time-frame
The homeowner should set aside an allocated time for the valuer to have complete uninterrupted access to the property. An apartment valuation will typically take 5 to 15 minutes, whilst a villa valuation will generally take anything from 10 to 30 minutes. Ideally, the home should either be empty or otherwise, all occupants should remain in one room, as well as be advised not to interrupt the valuer whilst they are conducting their work. This will make the process a lot more efficient and will allow the full valuation to be completed smoothly in a timely manner. For the inspection of any communal areas, management and/or the necessary individuals should be notified in advance so that the valuer is expected and allowed to conduct their work thoroughly.
At CRC, we have a team of highly experienced, RICS certified valuers, who are held to the highest professional standards. We will be able to give you a full brief on everything that is required in order for you to get the best service possible. Regardless of your home or property type, we will be able to conduct a full and thorough valuation and produce a comprehensive report in an efficient and timely manner. If you require valuation services, book a consultation with us today.
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