How to get a free property value without agents chasing you
Many people want to know what their home is worth without starting a sales conversation. The worry is fair: some free valuation offers exist to pass your details to agents. How each option handles your information, and how to stay in control.
Why this worry is fair
Plenty of people want to know what their home is worth long before they are ready to sell. They are curious, planning ahead, refinancing or settling a family question. The last thing they want is a string of calls from agents. And the worry is reasonable: a lot of "free valuation" offers exist mainly to collect contact details and pass them on for follow-up.
That does not make them bad. It just means you should know what you are signing up for.
What happens to your details, option by option
Property portal estimates
The estimates on realestate.com.au, Domain and similar sites can usually be looked up by address. Some features, such as tracking your property over time, ask you to sign in or register. Portals also offer ways to request appraisals from agents, and using those will put you in touch with agents. Look carefully at which button you are pressing.
Bank and lender property reports
Banks and lenders offer free property reports and estimates. Some are available online, others are emailed after you enter your details. They are often part of the lender's home loan marketing, so you may receive follow-up about loans. Check the privacy policy and marketing preferences.
Agent comparison sites
Agent comparison and referral sites often offer a free property report as the first step, then connect you with agents in your area. That is useful if you want to compare agents, but expect contact if you give a phone number.
Agent appraisal forms
Requesting a free appraisal on an agency website is a direct request to talk to that agent. Most will call to arrange an inspection. Useful when you are ready to sell, less so if you are only curious.
How to stay in control
- Start with the numbers you can see without signing up, such as portal estimates and recent sold prices.
- Read the fine print before entering a phone number. Look for words like "partner agents" or "we will connect you".
- Use the marketing preferences on any form, and unsubscribe from emails you did not want.
- Say what you want up front. If you speak to an agent, tell them you are only after a figure and prefer email. A good agent will respect that.
- Choose services that state how they will contact you, and stick to it.
Doing it yourself
You can get surprisingly close on your own. Line up recent comparable sales, check the online estimates, and adjust for what makes your home better or worse. Our guides to six free ways to check property value and why the estimates disagree walk you through it.
How Home Reality Check handles your details
We built our service for exactly this situation. You get your free report by email, then one follow-up email offering a free chat with a local expert about your place. No cold calls, and no passing your details to other agents. If you do not reply, that is the end of it. Got a question first? You can also ask a local agent, free. Our privacy policy sets out how we use your information.
The best report we can give you, and a local agent to ask
Checked against multiple sources
We don't rely on one website's estimate. Your report is checked against multiple property data sources and recent local sales, so you get the clearest picture.
A team committed to your report
Our team is committed to giving you the best report we possibly can: accurate, honest and explained in plain English.
Connected to our approved local agent
We connect you with our approved local agent, with 10+ years' experience, who knows your street, not just your suburb. Your local agent, not a call centre.
Ask anything about your property
Price, timing, renovations, selling or buying. Ask any question about your property and your local agent answers, free and with no obligation.
Common questions
Can I get a property value without giving my phone number?
Yes. The online estimates on property portals and bank tools can often be viewed without speaking to anyone, although some ask you to sign in or register first. Check each site's privacy policy before you hand over contact details.
Why do agents call after I request a free valuation?
Many free valuation forms are designed to generate leads for agents, so your details are passed on for follow-up. Read the fine print, or choose a service that states clearly how it will contact you.
Does Home Reality Check call me after I request a report?
No cold calls. You receive your report by email and one follow-up email offering a free chat. If you do not reply, that is the end of it.
