One Home. Three Appraisals. Which Price Is Right?
06 Mar 2026| Posted by: Dave Tidbold
Why Agents' Estimates Differ
When you’re ready to sell, you become prime real estate yourself. Every agent is competing for the opportunity to list your property.
However, many sellers discover that the figure presented at the kitchen table can be very different from the number buyers are ultimately willing to pay. This is what’s often referred to as the classic “quote trap.”
When multiple agents provide appraisals, it’s common to receive a wide range of price estimates. Some agents may quote higher figures to improve their chances of being selected, while others sidestep the issue entirely, claiming market conditions make pricing too uncertain.
As a result, sellers are left navigating mixed messages and conflicting advice. With so many opinions on the table, it becomes difficult to determine which estimate is accurate, realistic and reliable, and which one is simply designed to win your business.
What's your property really worth?
The right agent should be able to give you clear evidence on how they arrived at their price, with examples of recent local sales, current market conditions, buyer demand and buyer expectations.
A real estate agent should provide you with an honest and transparent price guide, similar to an independent property valuer. They should provide you with an accurate, unbiased value, as they get paid regardless of whether you agree with their price or not.
A good agent and valuer will consider the following factors when appraising your home:
- The location
- The land size
- The house size
- Improvements and additions to the property
- The age and condition of the property.
What Determines the Highest Price?
The skill and negotiating ability of the agent plays a huge will in the maximum price a buyer is willing to pay. This is why agent selection is so important. They need to be a good negotiator.
Ask the agent to give examples of how they will negotiate with buyers. Those who can easily demonstrate how they would persuade a buyer to pay their maximum price can add thousands to your final sale price.
Don’t be afraid to ask the tough questions. The right agent will answer with ease.
We use the same formula as an independent valuer to ensure accuracy and complete transparency when providing you with the most likely selling price of your home.
We are highly qualified to negotiate the buyer's highest price, so you’re guaranteed the maximum amount in your back pocket when it comes to sale time.
