An Honest Valuation

Valuations are not only an essential part of ensuring the protection of the lender’s capital, but it is also a valuable part of the transaction to the borrower. We have spoken previously about the process of ordering valuations, which you can find here.

What we hear often from our introducer network is a mistrust of valuers and concerns about misleading valuation processes.  That properties are sometimes undervalued by lender’s instructions or by selection of ‘conservative’ valuers, and that this is used as a strategy to reduce loan sums or increase rates, therefore hiding the true LVR.

Semper has spent two decades developing an intricate network of independent valuers. Our trusted ‘Panel’ is not just made up of well-known and respected brands or companies, but  with individual valuers – a list developed on the basis of trust and experience. These relationships are vital to Semper and its clients, Brokers and Borrowers alike. It is a very rare occurrence that an Applicant is surprised by the outcome of an instruction from us.

We are so confident in our valuers that we are happy to share the valuation report with applicants post drawdown (where permitted), and if there is ever a dispute over a value we will arrange a conference between the valuer and broker or applicant to talk it through.

Subject to completing our due diligence, we accept valuation reports from valuers on our panel. However, a word to the wise: while we understand when an introducer prefers that we appoint a national brand valuer “in case we do not proceed and the valuation can be used by another lender” – this may be intended to help, but it rarely does. When Semper proposes to appoint a lesser-known valuer in a particular area, it is because we trust them to provide the most accurate outcome. Furthermore, a national valuer may have a policy against assignment or require additional payment for doing so.

Semper is in the business of lending, and every loan requires a calculated risk, regardless of LVR. Semper has a rich history of doing this well, with enviously low levels of default.

No-one benefits from inaccurate or manipulated valuations. We have the knowledge and experience to assist brokers find the best solutions for their client’s borrowing outcomes.