Why hire a real estate expert and why is it essential to carry out a real estate appraisal before selling?

Roland Chevallier
8 sept. 2025
5 min de lecture

The real estate market is constantly evolving. Between fluctuating prices, new tax measures, environmental constraints, and growing buyer demands, selling a property today is no longer just a matter of setting an approximate price and posting an ad. In this changing environment, selling at the right price, under the right conditions, and without unpleasant surprises has become a real challenge.

Faced with this complexity, more and more homeowners are hiring a real estate expert. This approach, while still not systematic, is nevertheless crucial to ensuring a smooth and secure transaction. So, why hire a real estate expert? And why has conducting a real estate appraisal before selling become essential?

What is a real estate appraisal?

Definition

A real estate appraisal is a professional, rigorous, neutral, and detailed evaluation of a property. It is conducted by a trained and qualified expert, who uses objective criteria to estimate the property's market value or rental value. Unlike a traditional appraisal, it is based on a codified and documented method.

This assessment takes into account numerous factors: geographical location, general condition, surface area, quality of materials, energy diagnosis, administrative compliance, analysis of the local market, etc.

Objectives of the expertise

Expertise is not limited to setting a price. It has several concrete objectives:

Set a fair and credible value for the sale.
Identify defects or anomalies (cracks, humidity, insulation, conformity, etc.).
Detect technical or legal risks : easements, joint ownership, undeclared extensions, urban planning irregularities, etc.
Assess any work required to restore, bring up to standard or enhance the value of the property.

In short, it gives the seller a complete, reliable and well-reasoned vision of their property.

View of the property from the point of view:

The benefits of hiring a real estate expert before selling

A realistic and credible estimate of the price

An accurate appraisal is the key to a successful sale. A price that's too low loses money; a price that's too high delays the sale. The appraiser uses comparative data, real-world pricing bases, and rigorous analysis methods to provide a reliable appraisal, free from the guesswork or emotional biases that a homeowner may have.

Better sales preparation

With an expert report in hand, the seller has a clear and documented diagnosis. He can thus:

Carry out certain work in advance to enhance the property.
Prepare the documents necessary for the sale.
Respond more easily to buyers' questions or objections.

This allows you to present yourself as a serious and well-prepared seller.

Regulatory compliance ensured

The expert can highlight irregularities invisible to the untrained eye: extensions without permits, non-compliance with the PLU, absence of certain mandatory diagnoses, etc. He plays a role of legal prevention, which can avoid many future disputes.

Avoid unpleasant surprises

A seller is not always aware of the defects in their property, especially if they have lived there for a long time. An appraisal allows for the early detection of structural or administrative problems and the anticipation of potential recourse by the buyer, such as invoking a hidden defect.

The risks of a sale without a real estate appraisal

Undervaluation of the property

A rushed sale without market knowledge can result in a sale below its true value. This represents a net loss for the owner, sometimes amounting to several thousand euros.

Overestimation of the property

Conversely, an overvalued property fails to find a buyer. It stagnates, loses its appeal, and eventually requires several price reductions, which damages its image. A poor estimate can also impact the seller's future plans (purchase of another property, investment, etc.).

The benefits of a transaction with complete peace of mind

Transparency and clarity

The appraisal provides clear information to the buyer about the nature, condition, and real value of the property. This establishes a climate of trust, which is essential for facilitating negotiations and concluding the sale.

Save time

A correct appraisal, complete documentation, and anticipation of problems: these are all factors that accelerate the sale. The property is ready to be marketed effectively, and potential buyers are reassured.

Increased credibility

A seller who has taken the time to have their property appraised demonstrates that they act with complete transparency. This sets them apart from other sellers and naturally inspires confidence in the buyer, which can make all the difference, especially in a tight market.

How to choose a real estate expert?

Selection criteria

Choosing a good expert is essential. He must be:

Graduated and experienced in the real estate field.
Independent , not linked to an agency or promoter.
Member of a recognized professional organization (RICS, CEIF, TEGOVA, etc.).
Able to produce a complete report , usable in court or with institutions.

The cost of the expertise

The price varies depending on the type of property, its size, the complexity of the case, and the scope of the assignment. Expect to pay between €800 and €1,500 on average. This cost should be kept in perspective: a good appraisal can help you sell better and faster, and avoid costly litigation.

Comparison with other types of estimation

Online estimate : quick but often too approximate.
Evaluation by an agency : free, but potentially biased by commercial appeal (objective of securing a mandate).
Professional real estate appraisal : more expensive, but objective, detailed, documented, and legally enforceable.

In conclusion, hiring a real estate expert is more than just a formality: it's a strategic approach . It allows you to sell with complete peace of mind, at the right price, in compliance with legal obligations, and with a competitive advantage over other properties on the market.

Instead of viewing an appraisal as a cost, it should be considered a profitable investment : it optimizes the sale, strengthens the seller's credibility, and avoids disputes. In an increasingly demanding real estate environment, this is a step that can make all the difference.

But what else? Expertise can have many other purposes:

Inheritance or donation

As part of a transfer of assets, a real estate appraisal allows for a fair assessment of the property to avoid conflicts between heirs and facilitate the calculation of inheritance tax.

Sharing (divorce or separation)

During a separation, the expertise helps to fairly distribute the assets between the parties, particularly when there is disagreement over the value of the real estate.

Bank guarantee / mortgage loan

Banks often request an appraisal to evaluate a property used as security for a real estate loan, in order to measure the risk.

Taxation / tax audit

The tax authorities may request an expert appraisal to ensure the accuracy of the declared value of an asset, particularly in the event of an audit.

Insurance

To determine an insurance value , particularly in the event of a disaster (fire, flood, etc.), an expert appraisal may be necessary to guarantee adequate reimbursement.

Expropriation or preemption

In the context of expropriation by the State or a right of pre-emption, the expert appraisal makes it possible to determine the fair compensation of the owner.

Accounting / Business Assets

Companies that own real estate can have them appraised to enter them at their fair value on the balance sheet , particularly as part of a financial transparency or audit process.

Litigation or disputes

In the event of a dispute (disagreement over value, loss of privacy, sunlight, occupation of the subsoil, etc.), an expert appraisal may be ordered by a judge or initiated by one of the parties to serve as evidence.