Raising home value with real estate agent advice

With a wealth of experience on the property market, a real estate agent understands just what is need to help raise the home value for you. We caught up with Valda Walsh to find out just what can help you raise the property value.

What kinds of improvements add the most value to a home?

Modernising the kitchen and family room and modernising the bathroom add the most value.

To buyers, what are the most important areas of the house?

The living area – this is the first thing buyers will look at.

What do people looking to buy a new home need to consider?

Sustainability. Initially it was thought that only a few people cared about sustainability, but everybody's talking about it now and the next generation will expect it. The sustainability in this age will create houses that are a lot cheaper to run.

What should someone look for when choosing a real estate agent?

My motto is "Work hard and tell the truth." You should find somebody who has used the agent. I like continuity – I list the property, I do the opens, I write the ads and I report. Some firms have different people doing everything and you don't know who you're dealing with.

What does it take to do your job?

The qualification is a full licence. You need to know a bit about the law. You need good communication, and I'm also a great believer in going to look at a property whenever the buyer wants to go – be available.

Contact a real estate agent in your area to find out how you can raise home value: