Architectural Designs

Can you get an estate agent to value your house for free?

I have just finished renovating my house and have no plans to move whatsoever, but am really interested to know how much it has (hopefully!) gone up in value, can I get an estate agent round for a 'free' valuation and pretend I am putting it on the market or something? Cheers.

Public Comments

1. Yes like you said just pretend you are putting it on the market and llok interested!
2. Sure, but expect frequent follow-up calls from the agent you pick, because you are making him work for nothing.
3. Most estate agents will be happy to give you their valuation. They will want you to feel a loyalty to them should you ever decide to sell. Be honest with them. If they refuse, then they never get your business!
4. sure you can act like you are interested in selling the house. But you would be wasting the realtor's time, and he will expect you to list the house with him. (Not nice!) Always remember that a realtor's value is going to much higher that you will actually sell the home for.
5. If you want a realistic value of the property, you need an appraisal and appraisals are not free. Most real estate agents are going to swing high in hopes of getting the listing. What you are proposing isn't very ethical, knowing full well you are going to waste someone's time and get something for free...SHAME ON YOU! What do you do for a living? Do you work for free? I don't think you would appreciate this if the shoe was on the other foot!
6. Nibs is right. Plenty of upstanding agents will help you if you're honest about what you want. My agent encourages his past clients to 1) consult him before they rennovate to make sure their money is being spent wisely and 2) to ask him if they want to know their value post-work. He would never charge them for this. Great agents know that they don't make serious money one transaction at a time, but by building long term client relationships. If you lie, they'll hound you forever. If you're honest, you'll find a great agent, who you can think about using when you do want to sell.
7. where are you? most agents will give you a between figure if pushed. dont like doing nout for nout tho' be honest!