Just sharing my valuation experience.
1st: Aug20
No buyer agent
Really liked the unit and offered same day. OTP done same day. 2WD later valuator visited the unit. Took 2weeks for the report to be out since OTP. The report gave everyone a bad shock. We let it lapse and moved on. Wasn’t interested to appeal to HDB (as suggested by seller agent). Because I felt even if appeal, the difference won’t be a lot, especially the COV is big to begin with. As much as we liked the unit, we didn’t feel it’s worth that COV, or near to it.
2nd : Sep20
Engaged buyer agent
When this unit listing popped out, we were then very sure we did the right thing in giving up the first unit, COV aside. Valuation report came out 3WD after OTP (praying then no call from HDB as we don’t wish to trigger a visit from valuator). Thank you HDB for matching our offer price.
Lesson learnt - engage a buyer agent
. There are qualities of agents which diy-er won’t possess. They have the negotiation skills that are fit for the trade. Plus other know-hows. My agent did a good job for this unit. It was a few ding dongs with the seller agents (yes the seller engaged more than 1 agents). Not saying that there are no success stories on doing DIY. But speaking for myself, engaging one made me find my dream home in all aspects; and fast. Of course, tip of the iceberg is you have the right agent that works for you.