Now is the time...you have finally decided you want to sell and move on but, it has been a while and while you have been keeping an eye on the market, you are not really sure of values and you would like to have an idea of a sale price before you actually commit.

There are several ways of getting an idea of value. You can download and research property apps such as www.propertyvalue.com.au or the two main internet portals in Queensland www.realestate.com.au and www.domain.com.au. You can set your comparison parameters....bedrooms, bathrooms, pool and land size and you will get a list of "comparable" homes for sale.

You may wish to attend open for inspections to see what you may be up against and give you a general sense of value.

However, all these are the asking prices and may not truly reflect the actual selling price, as some sellers have been known to be wildly optimistic in their expectations. Other factors to take into consideration may need to be the level of renovation, additions such as pools and patios and whether the seller is trying to recover his costs if recently purchased.

You can also have a registered valuer give you a considered option. Unfortunately, you pay a considerable amount for someone to compare the last few sales and frequently consult with local agents to support their written appraisal.

Or....you can refer to (probably) the most accurate source....your local agent. If you have not had any connection or relationship with someone you think you can trust, interview two or three. Ask them to show you their market comparisons (these ought to be very similar as all agents can draw upon the same data). You may still get fairly disparate appraisals with some agents, eager to have your business either offering an inflated value or agreeing with the very hopeful price wanted by the seller. There is little substitute for your instinct. Ask lots of questions. Sometimes it is better to have a conservative estimate and be pleasantly surprised rather than a fanciful price where your hopes will be dashed.

Once you are satisfied with the probable value/price range of your home....commission, marketing strategies and guarantees are other important considerations, which I shall address in my next blog.