Estate agent appraisal checklist: what sellers should expect from a professional visit

Booking a property appraisal? Use this estate agent appraisal checklist to know exactly what to expect during the appraisal. Whether you’re a homeowner preparing to sell or an agent reviewing your own process, this guide ensures no step is missed during the all-important valuation visit.

What is an estate agent appraisal?

An estate agent appraisal is a visit to assess a property’s value and advise on how to market it for sale. It includes an inspection, local market research, a recommended asking price, and advice on improvements that could boost your result.

If done well, it gives sellers confidence and helps agents secure instructions. If done poorly, it risks losing trust and the listing.

The estate agent appraisal checklist

Here’s a professional, step-by-step checklist used by leading estate agents when carrying out appraisals:

1. Pre-appointment preparation

• Review property details from the Land Registry or past sales
• Analyse recent sold prices of similar homes nearby
• Prepare comparable listings to bring along
• Check planning history or renovation notes if available
• Personalise your approach — especially if using Acaboom to create a branded presentation

2. On-site property inspection

• Walk through each room, noting layout, size, and condition
• Assess improvements, extensions, or upgrades
• Check external factors like kerb appeal and parking
• Take or review high-quality photos
• Ask about any recent maintenance or known issues

3. Discuss the seller’s goals

• Understand the seller’s timeline and ideal outcome
• Answer questions about the market, process, or next steps
• Listen actively — this is often where trust is won or lost

4. Provide a clear pricing recommendation

• Present comparables clearly — don’t rely on guesswork
• Explain your suggested asking price and rationale
• Discuss a pricing strategy (e.g. fixed price, offers over, or guide range)

5. Outline the marketing plan

• Share how you’ll advertise the property
• Mention online portals, photography, floorplans, social media, and database promotion
• Introduce any tools you use, like Acaboom, to deliver personalised digital proposals

6. Leave behind or send a digital proposal

• Summarise the visit in writing — digitally is best
• Include pricing, comparables, marketing strategy, and agent bio
• Tools like Acaboom let you track when the seller views it and follow up smartly

7. Follow up professionally

• Send a follow-up message within 24–48 hours
• Use email, video, or even WhatsApp depending on client preference
• Respond quickly to any questions or objections

Sellers: What do you need to know?

Thinking of selling your home? An estate agent appraisal is the first step. It gives you a realistic picture of what your property could achieve on the market — and helps you choose the right agent to represent you. Expect expert advice, insight into similar sales, and tips on how to boost your asking price.

Using Acaboom to upgrade your appraisal process

Leading agents use Acaboom to create digital proposals, record video messages, and follow up automatically. Every touchpoint is tracked, helping you win more instructions by being smarter with your timing and personalisation.

If your agency still relies on handwritten notes and paper comparables, now’s the time to modernise.

FAQs

How long does a property appraisal take?

Typically 30–60 minutes, depending on property size and discussion time.

Is there a difference between a valuation and an appraisal?

Yes. A market appraisal is informal and carried out by an estate agent. A property valuation is a formal document produced by a RICS surveyor for legal or mortgage purposes.

Should I prepare my house before an appraisal?

Yes — clean and tidy up, finish any small DIY jobs, and make sure the kerb appeal is strong. First impressions count.