How to Handle Home Inspections and Appraisals When Selling by Owner in Australia

Selling your home by owner (FSBO – For Sale By Owner) in Australia can be a rewarding experience, but it requires careful handling of home inspections and appraisals. These steps are crucial in ensuring a smooth sale process and achieving the best possible price for your property. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate these aspects confidently.

1. Preparing for Home Inspections

A home inspection is a critical part of the selling process, providing potential buyers with an unbiased evaluation of the property’s condition. Here’s how to prepare:

Clean and Declutter: Ensure your home is clean and free of clutter. This makes it easier for the inspector to access all areas and gives a positive impression to buyers.
Make Necessary Repairs: Fix any visible issues such as leaky faucets, broken tiles, or peeling paint. Addressing these problems beforehand can prevent them from becoming negotiation points later.
Provide Access: Ensure all areas of your home, including the attic, basement, and crawl spaces, are accessible. Clear any obstructions that might hinder the inspection.
Remove Pets: If you have pets, arrange for them to be out of the house during the inspection to avoid distractions and safety concerns.

2. Dealing with Buyers During Inspections

Interacting with buyers during inspections can be delicate. Here are some tips:

Be Professional: Maintain a polite and professional demeanor. Answer any questions honestly but avoid oversharing information that could be used against you in negotiations.
Stay Out of the Way: Allow the inspector and buyers to conduct their inspection without hovering. This shows trust and confidence in your property.
Provide Documentation: Have all relevant documents ready, such as maintenance records and warranties. This can help address any concerns that arise during the inspection.

3. Handling Appraisals

An appraisal determines the fair market value of your home, which is crucial for both you and the buyer. Here’s how to handle the appraisal process:

Get a Pre-Listing Appraisal: Consider getting a professional appraisal before listing your home. This can help you set a realistic price and identify any issues that might affect the value.
Highlight Upgrades: Make sure the appraiser is aware of any recent upgrades or renovations. Provide documentation and receipts to support these improvements.
Clean and Stage Your Home: Just like with inspections, a clean and well-presented home can positively influence the appraiser’s assessment.

4. Options for Free Appraisals

If you’re looking for a free appraisal, there are several options available in Australia:

Real Estate Agents: Many real estate agents offer free property appraisals as part of their service. This can give you a good idea of your home’s market value.
Online Valuation Tools: Websites like Domain and Realestate.com.au offer free online property valuation tools. While not as accurate as a professional appraisal, they can provide a useful estimate.
Local Real Estate Agencies: Some local agencies, like Calibre Real Estate, offer free property appraisals that include detailed reports and market insights.

Conclusion

Handling home inspections and appraisals effectively is crucial when selling your home by owner in Australia. By preparing your home, dealing professionally with buyers, and understanding the appraisal process, you can ensure a smooth and successful sale. Remember to take advantage of free appraisal options to get an accurate estimate of your property’s value. With the right approach, you can confidently navigate these steps and achieve the best possible outcome for your sale.

Watch the Step-by-Step Tutorial video below:

Helpful links:

View our current listings on realestate.com.au

View our current listings on domain.com.au

Click here to get all of your conveyancing and legal documents prepared with conveyancing.com.au

View our packages below

(normally $249)

What's included

List on realestate.com.au
List on domain.com.au
List on rent.com.au
No time limit, Listed until LEASED
List on allhomes.com.au
List on Homely.com.au
List on Gumtree.com.au
List on SaleByHomeOwner.com.au
List on view.com.au + other sites
Add up to 35 images to your listing
Add up to 2 x Floor plans + Video
Login & Manage your listing 24/7
Unlimited printable brochures
All Residential Rental listings
“List Now, Pay Later” available*
Add your own Open Home times
You Receive all tenants calls & emails
Weekly Email Campaign Reports
Helpful On-page Tutorial videos
Customer Support & assistance
Use our Free AI tool to instantly craft the perfect ad write-up
Full access to our ProShop – Build your own custom brochures, Signage, Open Home Signs, Photo Signs & Letterbox drop pamphlets
Same-day listing, be online within a few business hours
Flexible payment options available – Direct bank transfer, Debit/Credit card, PayPal or over the Phone

(normally $599)

What's included

List on domain.com.au
No time limits, Listed until SOLD!
List on allhomes.com.au
List on Homely.com.au
List on Gumtree.com.au
List on SaleByHomeOwner.com.au
List on view.com.au + other sites
Add up to 35 images to your listing
Add up to 2 x Floor plans + Video
Login & Manage your listing 24/7
All Residential, Rural & Land listings
“List Now, Pay Later” available*
Add your own Open Home times
You Receive all buyer calls & emails
Helpful On-page Tutorial videos
Customer Support & assistance
Receive expert advice from our Team of fully Licensed Agents
We ensure your listing is compliant with Real Estate Laws & regulations
No time limits, your property listed through our service until SOLD!
Open listing , You can cancel your listing with us at any time.
Use our Free AI tool to instantly craft the perfect ad write-up
One-time fee, No Commissions!
Full access to our ProShop – Build your own custom brochures, Signage, Open Home Signs, Photo Signs & Letterbox drop pamphlets
Not tech-savvy? Phone us & we’ll create your ad for you (Free)
Same-day listing, be online within a few business hours
Flexible payment options available – Direct bank transfer, Debit/Credit card, PayPal or over the Phone
Customise your Package with Add-ons & Upgrades at any time
Our Customers receive Exclusive Discounts on conveyancing, Contract preparation & legal fees via our partner page on conveyancing.com.au
Average owner saves between $17,000 – $30,000+ in commission*

What's included

1 x large ‘FOR SALE‘ Sign
‘SOLD ‘& ‘UNDER CONTRACT’ signs
($25 refunded if signs not needed*)
List on realestate.com.au
List on domain.com.au
No time limits, Listed until SOLD!
List on allhomes.com.au
List on Homely.com.au
List on Gumtree.com.au
List on SaleByHomeOwner.com.au
List on view.com.au + other sites
Add up to 35 images to your listing
Add up to 2 x Floor plans + Video
Login & Manage your listing 24/7
Unlimited printable brochures
All Residential, Rural & Land listings
“List Now, Pay Later” available*
Add your own Open Home times
You Receive all buyer calls & emails
Weekly Email Campaign Reports
Helpful On-page Tutorial videos
Customer Support & assistance
Receive expert advice from our Team of fully Licensed Agents
We ensure your listing is compliant with Real Estate Laws & regulations
No time limits, your property listed through our service until SOLD!
Open listing , You can cancel your listing with us at any time.
Use our Free AI tool to instantly craft the perfect ad write-up
One-time fee, No Commissions!
Full access to our ProShop – Build your own custom brochures, Signage, Open Home Signs, Photo Signs & Letterbox drop pamphlets
Not tech-savvy? Phone us & we’ll create your ad for you (Free)
Same-day listing, be online within a few business hours
Installation Screws for Sign included
Flexible payment options available – Direct bank transfer, Debit/Credit card, PayPal or over the Phone
Customise your Package with Add-ons & Upgrades at any time
Our Customers receive Exclusive Discounts on conveyancing, Contract preparation & legal fees via our partner page on conveyancing.com.au
Average owner saves between $17,000 – $30,000+ in commission*

(normally $899)

What's included

In addition to everything that’s included our ‘Gold Package‘ you also receive:

1 x ‘FOR SALE’ Sign (700×580)
‘SOLD ‘& ‘UNDER CONTRACT’ signs
1 x large ‘Open For Inspection’ Flag
2 x ‘OPEN HOME’ directional signs
Screws & ties for installation
Express postage via Australia Post

You also receive:

List on realestate.com.au
List on domain.com.au
No time limits, Listed until SOLD!
List on allhomes.com.au
List on Homely.com.au
List on Gumtree.com.au
List on SaleByHomeOwner.com.au
List on view.com.au + other sites
Add up to 35 images to your listing
Add up to 2 x Floor plans + Video
Login & Manage your listing 24/7
Unlimited printable brochures
All Residential, Rural & Land listings
“List Now, Pay Later” available*
Add your own Open Home times
You Receive all buyer calls & emails
Weekly Email Campaign Reports
Helpful On-page Tutorial videos
Customer Support & assistance
Receive expert advice from our Team of fully Licensed Agents
We ensure your listing is compliant with Real Estate Laws & regulations
No time limits, your property listed through our service until SOLD!
Open listing , You can cancel your listing with us at any time.
Use our Free AI tool to instantly craft the perfect ad write-up
One-time fee, No Commissions!
Full access to our ProShop – Build your own custom brochures, Signage, Open Home Signs, Photo Signs & Letterbox drop pamphlets
Not tech-savvy? Phone us & we’ll create your ad for you (Free)
Same-day listing, be online within a few business hours
Installation Screws for Sign included
Flexible payment options available – Direct bank transfer, Debit/Credit card, PayPal or over the Phone
Customise your Package with Add-ons & Upgrades at any time
Our Customers receive Exclusive Discounts on conveyancing, Contract preparation & legal fees via our partner page on conveyancing.com.au
Average owner saves between $17,000 – $30,000+ in commission*

(normally $1,999)

What's included

In addition to everything that’s included our ‘Platinum Package‘ you also receive:

Professional Photography
Large 1800 x 1200 PHOTO SIGN
50 x A4 Gloss Property Brochures
‘SOLD ‘& ‘UNDER CONTRACT’ signs
1 x large ‘Open For Inspection’ Flag
2 x ‘OPEN HOME’ directional signs
Screws & ties for installation

You also receive:

List on realestate.com.au
List on domain.com.au
No time limits, Listed until SOLD!
List on allhomes.com.au
List on Homely.com.au
List on Gumtree.com.au
List on SaleByHomeOwner.com.au
List on view.com.au + other sites
Add up to 35 images to your listing
Add up to 2 x Floor plans + Video
Login & Manage your listing 24/7
Unlimited printable brochures
All Residential, Rural & Land listings
“List Now, Pay Later” available*
Add your own Open Home times
You Receive all buyer calls & emails
Weekly Email Campaign Reports
Helpful On-page Tutorial videos
Customer Support & assistance
Receive expert advice from our Team of fully Licensed Agents
We ensure your listing is compliant with Real Estate Laws & regulations
No time limits, your property listed through our service until SOLD!
Open listing , You can cancel your listing with us at any time.
Use our Free AI tool to instantly craft the perfect ad write-up
One-time fee, No Commissions!
Full access to our ProShop – Build your own custom brochures, Signage, Open Home Signs, Photo Signs & Letterbox drop pamphlets
Not tech-savvy? Phone us & we’ll create your ad for you (Free)
Installation Screws for Sign included
Flexible payment options available – Direct bank transfer, Debit/Credit card, PayPal or over the Phone
Customise your Package with Add-ons & Upgrades at any time
Our Customers receive Exclusive Discounts on conveyancing, Contract preparation & legal fees via our partner page on conveyancing.com.au
Average owner saves between $17,000 – $30,000+ in commission*

(normally $965)

What's included

1 x ‘FOR SALE’ PHOTO SIGN – Smaller version for self-installation
Custom designed Photo Sign printed on weather & fade resistant outdoor Plastic with vivid full-colour printing.
Can easily be installed in front yards, on fences, vacant blocks of land or Unit/Townhouses
List on realestate.com.au
List on domain.com.au
No time limits, Listed until SOLD!
List on allhomes.com.au
List on Homely.com.au
List on Gumtree.com.au
List on SaleByHomeOwner.com.au
List on view.com.au + other sites
Add up to 35 images to your listing
Add up to 2 x Floor plans + Video
Login & Manage your listing 24/7
Unlimited printable brochures
All Residential, Rural & Land listings
“List Now, Pay Later” available*
Add your own Open Home times
You Receive all buyer calls & emails
Weekly Email Campaign Reports
Helpful On-page Tutorial videos
Customer Support & assistance
Receive expert advice from our Team of fully Licensed Agents
We ensure your listing is compliant with Real Estate Laws & regulations
No time limits, your property listed through our service until SOLD!
Open listing , You can cancel your listing with us at any time.
Use our Free AI tool to instantly craft the perfect ad write-up
One-time fee, No Commissions!
Full access to our ProShop – Build your own custom brochures, Signage, Open Home Signs, Photo Signs & Letterbox drop pamphlets
Not tech-savvy? Phone us & we’ll create your ad for you (Free)
Same-day listing, be online within a few business hours
Installation Screws for Sign included
Flexible payment options available – Direct bank transfer, Debit/Credit card, PayPal or over the Phone
Customise your Package with Add-ons & Upgrades at any time
Our Customers receive Exclusive Discounts on conveyancing, Contract preparation & legal fees via our partner page on conveyancing.com.au
Average owner saves between $17,000 – $30,000+ in commission*

(normally $399)

What's included

List on Homely.com.au
List on view.com.au
List on salebyhomeowner.com.au
No time limits, Listed until SOLD!
Add up to 35 images to your listing
Add up to 2 Floor plans
Login & Manage your listing 24/7
All Residential, Rural & Land listings
“List Now, Pay Later” available*
You Receive all buyer calls & emails
Helpful On-page Tutorial videos
We ensure your listing is compliant with Real Estate Laws & regulations
Open listing , You can cancel your listing with us at any time.
One-time fee, No Commissions!
Not tech-savvy? Phone us & we’ll create your ad for you (Free)
Same-day listing, be online within a few business hours
Flexible payment options available – Direct bank transfer, Debit/Credit card, PayPal or over the Phone
Receive Exclusive Discounts on conveyancing, Contract preparation & legal fees via our partner page on conveyancing.com.au
Average owner saves between $17,000 – $30,000+ in commission*

(normally $1,400)

What's included

1 x Large 1800 x 1200 ‘FOR SALE’ PHOTO SIGN
Custom designed & Professionally installed on the property (in Metro locations)
List on realestate.com.au
List on domain.com.au
No time limits, Listed until SOLD!
List on allhomes.com.au
List on Homely.com.au
List on Gumtree.com.au
List on SaleByHomeOwner.com.au
List on view.com.au + other sites
Add up to 35 images to your listing
Add up to 2 x Floor plans + Video
Login & Manage your listing 24/7
Unlimited printable brochures
All Residential, Rural & Land listings
“List Now, Pay Later” available*
Add your own Open Home times
You Receive all buyer calls & emails
Weekly Email Campaign Reports
Helpful On-page Tutorial videos
Customer Support & assistance
Receive expert advice from our Team of fully Licensed Agents
We ensure your listing is compliant with Real Estate Laws & regulations
No time limits, your property listed through our service until SOLD!
Open listing , You can cancel your listing with us at any time.
Use our Free AI tool to instantly craft the perfect ad write-up
One-time fee, No Commissions!
Full access to our ProShop – Build your own custom brochures, Signage, Open Home Signs, Photo Signs & Letterbox drop pamphlets
Not tech-savvy? Phone us & we’ll create your ad for you (Free)
Same-day listing, be online within a few business hours
Installation Screws for Sign included
Flexible payment options available – Direct bank transfer, Debit/Credit card, PayPal or over the Phone
Customise your Package with Add-ons & Upgrades at any time
Our Customers receive Exclusive Discounts on conveyancing, Contract preparation & legal fees via our partner page on conveyancing.com.au
Average owner saves between $17,000 – $30,000+ in commission*