Estimate, appraisal or valuation?
3 different things get called "what's my home worth". Here's what each one means.
Online estimate
Instant, data-driven, free. A handy starting point, not a precise figure.
Agent appraisal
A local agent's opinion based on comparable sales. Free, and what sellers use to set a price.
Formal valuation
A certified valuer's report for lending or legal matters. Paid, and legally recognised.
Bank estimate
Many banks offer free online estimates to their customers, and lenders order their own valuation when you borrow. Useful context, not a selling price.
Why people put off getting an appraisal
Ringing an agent can feel like starting something you're not ready for. Suddenly there are follow-up calls, and a listing conversation you didn't ask to have. That fear is fair, and it keeps people guessing about their biggest asset for years.
The fix is order: get an early sense of the number first, then choose which agent you want in your living room.
Frequently asked questions
How accurate is an online estimate?
Do I need a formal valuation to sell?
How do I get an accurate figure?
Agents will pitch for you, soon
When we open, local agents will pitch for your listing, including a rough estimate of what they think your home could sell for. You're always in control: no pressure, no games.