Sworn Valuer

A Sworn Valuation is an independent and objective opinion of value of a property by a valuer who is willing to swear on the authenticity of his / her valuation.

A Sworn Valuation is an independent and objective opinion of Value* of a property by a Valuer who is willing to swear on the authenticity of his / her valuation. The Sworn Valuer should preferably be a Certified Practising Valuer (CPV) accredited by the Australian Property Institute (API), the peak body for property professionals in Australia.

* could be any of the various bases of Value

A Sworn Valuation report is no different from any full valuation report prepared by a CPV of the API adopting standard valuation practices, except with two main differences. Firstly, the "Sworn" part of a Sworn Valuation refers to the Valuer swearing an affidavit by oath, typically in the presence of a solicitor, that the valuation report was prepared by the valuer, hence the term Sworn Valuer. It has nothing to do with the valuation process, the basis or methodology of the valuation. Secondly, the Sworn Valuation report must include certain statutory prescribed declarations and information about the Sworn Valuer. Hence, a Sworn Valuation is a legal document admissible in a Court of Law, used in dispute resolution cases involving property.

"...the Valuer swearing an affidavit by oath.....nothing to do with the valuation process, the basis or methodology of the valuation."

Apart from Sworn Valuations for Dispute Resolution, Litigation and Family Law cases, a Sworn Valuer could also prepare the following:

Deceased Estate / Probate valuation OR a valuation for a Deceased Estate or Probate purposes.
Capital Gains Tax valuation OR a valuation for Capital Gains Tax purposes.
Transfer Duty / Transfer of Property valuation OR a valuation for Transfer Duty / Property Transfer purposes.
SMSF Property valuation OR a valuation for SMSF Property purposes.
Centrelink Asset Test valuation OR a valuation for Centrelink Asset Test purposes.

For those selling or purchasing a property (whether a home, a commercial property or a vacant land parcel), engaging a Sworn Valuer would be your best investment and a crucial piece of your selling/buying strategy.

If you are selling a property:

Because your asking price does not usually match a potential buyer's price perception, a Sworn Valuation report can serve as a powerful and convincing sales tool used to support this asking price.
A Sworn Valuation can also serve as a 'reality check', providing an unbias basis for the decision to sell or not to sell, and the final sale price. Knowing the Market Value of your property before you decide to put it on the market is critical.
Oftentimes charm and negotiation skills alone are insufficient to convince a potential buyer. An independent valuation by a Sworn Valuer could just be the 'secret' weapon you'll need to nudge the potential buyer into making the final decision.

"An independent valuation by a Sworn Valuer ...the 'secret' weapon...to nudge the potential buyer into making the final decision."

If you are buying a property:

Paying too much is one of the commonest and costliest mistakes to make in real estate. This is because many buyers (a) over-rate their own knowledge and believe they do not need advice; (b) rely on the listed price from the developer or real estate agent; (c) use a valuer recommended by the developer, agent or marketer; or (d) get a valuation which doesn't support the price but buy it anyway.
As a Buyer a Sworn Valuation provides a basis for knowing what's the highest price to offer in a private sale or bid for in a public auction.

Why You Can Rely on a Sworn Valuer?

When the Taxation Office, Family Court, Government, Bank or any other body dealing with money or assets require precise knowledge as to the value of real estate, they engage a professional valuer - a Sworn Valuer or a Certified Practising Valuer - someone who is able to stand up in a Court of Law and swear on oath as to the value of the piece of real estate in question.

All CPVs have to undergo years of on-the-job training and experience in the field, on top of rigorous degree-level education before they can apply to be Certified. They have to submit proof of their work experience (in the form of three valuation reports that they have prepared under the supervision of a senior CPV) to the satisfaction of the professional body before they are eligible to sit for an oral examination. Sitting in front of three very senior valuers during this high stress examination they could be asked virtually any property valuation related question. Only if successful can they qualify to be a Certified Practising Valuer.

How is a Sworn Valuation Different from a Free Appraisal by a Real Estate Agent?

Virtually all real estate agents provide a free appraisal as a "bait" with the hope that they may secure your property's listing i.e. to be appointed as the selling agent for your property. Real estate agents are constantly looking for new properties to sell as they cannot stay in business without new properties to sell. A real estate agent is dependent on the sale of the property taking place to earn a commission, hence an agent's appraisal is never independent. On the other hand, an accredited Sworn Valuer has no monetary interest (i.e. does not receive any commission) in the sale and earns a relatively small fee for a totally fair and independent valuation.

"...Sworn Valuer has no monetary interest (....does not receive any commission) in the sale....for a totally fair and independent valuation."

What About Those Instant Online Valuations?

If you plan to treat a good friend or loved one to a good meal (I mean really good meal) would you take her/him to a fast food restaurant....or prepare a meal for her/him with 2-minute noodles? How could these 'instant meals' compare with a meal prepared by a chef or experienced cook? Similarly, there are many reasons why an instant online 'valuation' cannot replace a human valuer. But suffice to say here that the old saying 'garbage in equals garbage out' applies to these instant valuations (using so-called Automated Valuation Models or computer algorithms).

What Users of Our Sworn Valuations (or sometimes called Certified Valuations or Independent Valuations) have to Say:

Sellers

"The Certified Valuation (or Sworn Valuation) really came in handy when the prospect started talking about my asking price...I finally sold the shop...I believe I saved at least thirty to forty grand..." - Ganesan R of Highett, VIC

"When the interested couple saw the Market Value of my property in the Certified Valuation (or Sworn Valuation) report they immediately stopped haggling on the selling price!" - Peter L of Croydon, VIC

"I've been working overseas for the past two and a half years...needed to sell my unit in Brunswick but lost touch with the local property maket and did not want to rely on the estate agent's appraisal . Your Certified Valuation (or Sworn Valuation) gave me comfort on how much to ask for ...I'm glad I paid the <valuation fee> which was worth at least $30,000" - Rashid M , Dubai

"We shall definitely use this fantastic sales aid when selling our next investment property!" - The Sanders of Newport, VIC

"...wished I used this service when I previously sold my two houses!" - Dave K of Doncaster, VIC

Buyers

"We wanted a professional opinion of how much to offer for the warehouse. Thanks to your Certified Valuation (or Sworn Valuation) we ended up paying a whopping $70K below the asking price!" - Importer, Hoppers Crossing , VIC

"I needed an independent valuation of an apartment in South Yarra before paying the deposit...only seen coloured brochure of the property ...I decided not to buy when the Certified Valuation (or Sworn Valuation) was 15% lower than the price list." - Loh Shien of Hong Kong

"The strata office unit was what we were looking for but we did not want to over-bid at the auction. From your Certified Valuation (or Sworn Valuation) we were willing to add another $25,000 as the ceiling on what we were willing to pay...ended up as the winning bidder ...and not paying more ...due to our confidence in the true market value..." - L Tuono of Glen Waverley, VIC

How Much Does a Sworn Valuation Cost?

Sellers, how much will it cost you for a delay in selling your property just because an interested buyer was not fully convinced that your asking price was reasonable?

Buyers, are you overpaying tens of thousands (or even $100,000 in some documented cases) for that property?

Indeed, for a relatively small investment you can have the comfort and assurance of a Sworn Valuation (sometimes called a Certified Valuation or an Independent Valuation) that is carried out by a qualified, experienced and accredited property professional who is a Certified Practising Valuer (CPV) and current member of the Australian Property Institute (API), Australia’s premier property professional organisation. This valuation by a Sworn Valuer gives you a second opinion about the value of the property concerned.

"Don't be "Penny Wise Pound Foolish" when Selling / Buying Your Property. Your Investment of $'00's (for the Valuation fee) Could Save You $0,000's!"

To receive a quote for a Sworn Valuation of your property, just complete the form below and click "Submit" : (Note: you should receive a response within 24 hours (work days). If not, there might be a technical issue with this form. In that case, please send your enquiry to cpv@swornvaluer.com.au).

By submitting this form you are NOT purchasing any valuation service. You are merely requesting for a quotation.

Privacy Statement : All of the details you submit via the above electronic form is strictly for the purpose of providing a quote to you. The information will not be shared with, or sold on to any third party.

If the Request For Quote form is not showing, call 03 8618 6800 for a verbal quote.

Yours sincerely,

Joseph Lee AAPI, CPV, LEA

Sworn Valuer

Certified Practising Valuer

Licensed Estate Agent

Grad Dip Property (Distinction)

Bachelor of Engineering (Civil)

Member Australian Property Institute

P/S What Makes Me Think I am Qualified to Provide You with a Sworn Valuation... and Why Should You Trust My Opinion of Value and Property Advice??

Well...in the last 16 years plus I have spent most of my waking hours (sometimes including Sundays) on property...

...reading about property...

...writing about property...

...talking about property...

...studying about property...

...inspecting and measuring property...

...taking photos of property...

...driving around the neighbourhood of property...

...sighting property titles, subdivision plans and zoning information...

...researching and analysing sold and leased property...

...attending property open houses and auctions...

...rationalising property values...

...adopting various valuation methodology to determine property values...

...keeping up to date with the latest property news...

...analysing building plans and construction costs...

...viewing contracts of sale and leases...

...and the list goes on....

I have been involved in the valuation of over 3,700 properties ranging from detached dwellings, vacant land parcels, shops and warehouses to high rise office buildings, apartment blocks, development projects, and rural landholdings.

With my Civil Engineering foundation coupled with over 18 years of non-property related experience in sales, marketing and general management of predominantly building materials enterprises, I believe I can provide you with more than just FAIR, HONEST and INDEPENDENT valuations.

5A Hartnett Close, Mulgrave, VIC 3170