How tidy for estate agent valuer?

[nowornevers]

Estate agent is valuing my house tomorrow. I'll have time to do a basic clean and tidy up tonight but not on the scale I would do for viewings. I'm not in a chain so some things I'm storing in a room that make it look cluttered will be taken to my new home before viewings start.

An experienced valuer will see past a bit of untidiness won't they?

Yes, just a general tidy is fine but get rid of the clutter before the photos, not just the viewings.

Yes they will absolutely see past it and when I was in the same position EAs told me not to worry about tidying just for them.

Make all the effort for the photos and then then viewings.

Sorry but it needs to be spotless they'll be taking photos.

I personally would get all the clutter in a laundry basket and store away.

Dont forget to sort it prior to viewings (some people are snoopers!)

They don't take photos when a value comes out!

No they won't. This is a valuation where they have a quick nosey round the house and discuss what they would price it at.

They won't take photos unless she chooses them as her agent and that won't be until a later date.

A quick tidy is fine OP. They won't care and it won't affect the valuation.

When I had a valuation a few years ago the estate agent turned up with a camera and wanted to do photos there and then, aparently to save them coming back, though I suspect to pressure us into selling through them (we got a fee valuations before choosing an agent).

As long as your confident telling them no if they try that it should be fine, if they want your business I'm sure they'll come back for photos on your terms.

Apologies. I thought they took photos at the same time. Ignore my comment

Most valuations here are drive by, I really wouldn't worry about it.

It’s only a sales valuation, really it’s to talk you into selling with them. Get three unless there’s one who tends to have more sold boards than the others, then it’s worth allowing to talk you around. However that said I would not make a decision there and then, tell them you will be in touch. Check sold prices of similar properties in you area, to give yourself a ballpark figure, don’t fall for the highest valuation. This can be a ploy to get the instruction and when it doesn’t sell get you to reduce the price.
We all think our house is better and worth more, be realistic, just because you have gold plated taps it won’t add any value. Ask the valuer to explain the legal costs involved, approximate solicitor fees for buying and selling, of course their fees, stamp duty, if applicable and then have you enough finances in place to buy the property you want.
also just check what their contract is, for example will they want their fee for introducing a able and willing buyer, even if you for what ever reason withdraw your house from sale.
a good EA is really only a shop keeper that happens to sell houses, they can’t sell a property, it sells it self, but a good agent should be able to hold a sale together.
Buyers get jumpy, it does not take much, especially in these times for them to have second thoughts, this is when the agent needs to hold their hands and guide them through to completion. The vendor may be paying the fee, but it’s the buyer that needs looking after.

Thanks all and especially @takeaflight for that really useful advice

Our agent turned up with the camera, so I was super glad I’d insisted on pristine for the valuation!

I won't be allowing any photos tomorrow! Cursory tidy tonight and I'm done!