When to request a free home evaluation rather than an online estimate

Knowing the value of your home is often the first step before making a major decision: selling, refinancing, planning a project, or simply understanding your financial situation. More and more homeowners are starting with a quick and free online home valuation .

But when is it best to request a free home evaluation from a real estate broker? In Montreal, Laval, the Laurentians, and the Eastern Montérégie region, this distinction can have a real impact on the final price obtained.

Online home valuation: a good starting point

An online home valuation relies on publicly available data: recent comparable sales, general property characteristics, location, and market trends. This tool provides a quick and non-binding estimate of the property's value. It's an ideal solution for an initial assessment, especially when the goal is simply to get a general idea of the market.

However, an automated valuation doesn't always take into account certain key elements: recent renovations, the actual condition of the property, its precise location within the neighborhood, or unique features. It provides a general idea, but rarely an exact value.

Free home appraisal: when accuracy becomes essential

A free home appraisal conducted by a real estate broker goes further. It's based on a human analysis of the local market, adjusted comparable properties, and the specific characteristics of the property. In Montreal, Laval, the Laurentians, and the Eastern Montérégie region, every street can significantly influence a home's value.

This approach helps determine a realistic and strategic price, especially if you're planning a short-term market launch. A professional appraisal helps avoid two common mistakes: overpricing and slowing down the sale, or underpricing and losing money.

Which option to choose depending on your objective

If you're simply curious or considering your options, an online home valuation is sufficient. It allows you to get a general idea of your property's value without any pressure. However, if you're planning to sell in the coming months, a free home appraisal becomes an essential tool for making informed decisions.

Serious sellers often use both: online estimation to get a sense of the market value, then free appraisal to set an optimal selling price.

Why the local market makes all the difference

The real estate market varies significantly by area. In Montreal, Laval, the Laurentians, and the Eastern Montérégie region, sales times, demand, and prices per square foot are not the same. A free home evaluation takes these local realities and current trends into account, something no automated tool can analyze with the same precision.

Taking action at the right time

Understanding the difference between an online home valuation and a free home appraisal can help you avoid making poor decisions. The goal isn't just to know a number, but to know what to do with it. By choosing the right approach at the right time, you maximize your chances of getting the best possible outcome.

Get an accurate estimate of your home's value