One of the most important components when selling your home is the expert agent valuation. It will inform you of your property’s value and a potential asking price you could set when placing your property on the market.

In this article, we discuss how your property is viewed and valued in a home valuation, allowing you to gain a better understanding of how an expert agent determines your home's overall value.

Is a home valuation important?

Home valuations can affect the entire selling journey of your property, so you need to ensure they are achieved correctly. If an inaccurate valuation is completed and it’s reflected in the asking price, this could delay the sale.

The first ten days of your property on the market are the most important, as it will receive the most interest during this time. So, with this in mind, it’s crucial to ensure you have an accurate, fair representation of your home’s value in the asking price.

Knowing your home's true value can provide you with a clear budget for searching for your next home, as well as allowing you to identify the current equity within your property if you were to sell.

How does an expert agent value your property?

The expert agent will use their own experience and knowledge of the local market, along with five main physical components, to determine the value of a property.

• Location
• Layout Size
• The property's condition
• Unique features

Ultimately, the interior and exterior of your home plays a huge part. If you have a beautiful, private home with incredible characteristics and uniqueness, its value will be higher than that of an average neutral-looking home that is the same size and location.

Another huge factor is location; this determines the local amenities, schools, opportunities, and jobs the property could provide, adding value.

When valuing a property, agents use the price of comparable homes that have sold in that area as their main guide. This allows agents to identify what potential buyers are willing to pay, helping to understand the local supply and demand for property.

A combination of various factors, including your personal circumstances and the current state of the surrounding property market, will determine the value of your home.

How do you decide which agent to go with?

Choosing the right agent can be a daunting process, as your home is your most valuable asset, so shop around and speak to a variety of agents. Never choose an agent based on how much they value your home, as some agents will quote you a slightly higher value than they believe simply to get your business.

It's critical to have a connection with your chosen agent, as you will spend a lot of time with them, and you want to make sure they love and respect your property as much as you do. Trust your gut, don’t rush, and ensure you like the agent you will be working with. By working with us, we can offer support from your first home valuation all the way to exchanging contracts and discovering your next dream home.

Moving house doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, by planning ahead and taking tactical steps, you can get started on your next chapter with a clean slate and a well-organised home.
Here are some essential tips to help you save money and streamline your move.

Book promptly

When it comes to moving, timing is crucial. One of the best ways to save money is by booking your moving services well in advance as this gives you time to compare rates. Many moving companies also offer discounts for OAPs, key workers, and armed forces, so don’t forget to check if you’re eligible.

Get the timings right

Booking early also ensures that you get the moving date and time that best fits your schedule. During peak moving seasons, such as summer and end-of-month dates, moving companies can get booked up quickly. By planning ahead, you avoid the stress and potential extra costs of trying to find available moving services at the last minute.

Empty your cupboards

Before you start packing, take a good look at your cupboards. You might be surprised by how much food and household items you've accumulated over time. Instead of letting these items go to waste or lugging them to your new home, aim to use them up.

Meal planning

Create a meal plan that focuses on using the ingredients you already have. This approach not only reduces waste but also cuts down on your food shopping bill in the weeks leading up to your move. Be creative with your recipes and try to use as many of your cupboard staples as possible.

Sell unwanted items

Moving is the perfect time to declutter and make a bit of extra cash by selling items you no longer need. This will reduce the volume of things you need to move to your next home, while saving both time and money.
Use online platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Vinted to sell your unwanted items. Whether it’s furniture, clothes, or electronics, there’s likely someone out there who will be interested in what you’re selling.

Declutter

Decluttering is one of the most effective ways of cutting down your moving costs. But it isn’t easy, so tackle your decluttering one room at a time. This method makes the task more manageable and ensures that you thoroughly go through each space.
Sort items into categories: keep, sell, donate, and dispose of. Be ruthless – if you haven’t used something in the past year, it’s likely you don’t need it.

Get your packing materials for free

You can save a great deal of money by getting your boxes and bubble wrap for free. Many shops and offices offer their used packing materials at no cost to reduce waste. You might even find someone in your local community offering their used boxes, so check online first before committing to paying out for your packaging.

Selling your home often causes a flurry of questions to surface in your mind. If you are moving and are selling your home with a mortgage, here is a guide to help you understand the process and some answers to the questions you may have.

Can you sell your home with a mortgage?

Yes, you can still move even if your mortgage term is not complete, or your outstanding balance is not settled. In fact, you have a number of options going forward. Unless you are in the fortunate position of no longer requiring a mortgage, your choices will depend on affordability and your mortgage provider's terms. One such option could be to port your mortgage.

Can you move home with the same mortgage?

Some mortgage providers may allow you to move with your existing mortgage. Known as porting your mortgage, this may be a way to defeat higher interest rates, although mortgage providers' terms differ. You will, in any case, have to apply to your current mortgage provider if you want to port your mortgage. You may be able to borrow more, although this could be at a different interest rate than that of your current mortgage deal.

How do you go about selling with a mortgage?

You may be planning on settling your current outstanding mortgage balance and taking out a new mortgage deal on the house you are moving to. If so, your mortgage will be settled after you sell the house you are moving from. This is where your solicitor and mortgage advisor can be worth their fees. Many agents will be able to connect you to either, but it’s entirely your choice as to whether you use their services or choose your own property professionals. Discussing your moving plans with a mortgage advisor initially will help you decide the best route to take.

Is it better to get a new mortgage when you move?

You may find that you may not be able to port your mortgage. On the other hand, if interest rates are lower than your current deal, getting a new mortgage deal could save you some money on your monthly payments. If you are moving to a much greener, more energy-efficient home, you may be eligible for a green mortgage which could offer more competitive rates. Your individual circumstances and property will differ from those of other sellers and buyers, so it is important to give accurate details to your mortgage advisor. Such information as the outstanding balance and the current interest rate of your current mortgage will be required.

A good agent is a good asset to have on your side

Many people sell their homes with mortgages. Mortgage advisors, mortgage providers, and solicitors are well-versed in this process, so there is nothing to stress about. More than likely, you will port your existing mortgage or take out a new deal. A good agent will help you make the most of this process by being there to guide you and get the right value for your home. They are also invaluable when it comes to finding a property that gives you the features and space you want, in your desired location, and that works for you financially.

As technology continues to evolve, so do our homes. The smart home revolution is in full swing, transforming ordinary houses into homes built for convenience, security, and efficiency. Here are the top 8 smart home updates you should consider to make your living space more connected and intelligent.

Touchless tech  

Touch-free home tech allows you to interact with various systems in your home without any form of physical contact. Touchless bathrooms in particular are the perfect solution to the risk of germs and viruses spreading in the household. From sensor taps and electronic soap dispensers to touchless toilet flush systems, these smart features promote better hygiene and optimise convenience.

Smart meters  

According to Energy Saving Trust, at the end of 2023, over 60% of all meters in the UK were smart meters, highlighting their rapid growth in popularity. * Smart energy management systems help you monitor and reduce your home’s energy consumption, offering real-time data on energy usage and costs. Some smart metres also have settings that can reduce energy consumption when the house is empty or during peak hours.

Home offices  

With remote work becoming more common than ever before, the home office is now a crucial part of most living spaces. Smart home technology can make your home office more efficient and ergonomic. From adjustable smart lighting for reduced eye strain, to voice-activated devices that help manage your schedule, smart technology can optimise your productivity at home.

High-tech security

Home security is a top priority for many of today’s homebuyers, and with high-tech security becoming more accessible, fitting your home with a comprehensive security system is both simple and cost-effective. Video doorbells and smart cameras can offer motion detection, immediate alerts, and the ability to stream live footage from your smartphone. These systems lend themselves to effective thief deterrence and a simplified approach to surveillance.

Voice-activated controls

Voice activation is a cornerstone of the smart home experience. It allows you to control various aspects of your home hands-free with devices like Alexa, Google, and Siri.

USB-C home integration  

The new USB-C standard is becoming ubiquitous in modern electronics, and integrating it into your smart home setup can simplify your life. Unlike USB-A (which is slowly being phased out), USB-C outlets can charge your gadgets faster and more efficiently.

Seamless integration

A truly smart home is one where all devices work together seamlessly. For this to be achieved, integration is key. Smart hubs connect and manage all your smart devices from a single app, creating a unified ecosystem that allows you to manage every facet of your home from one place.

Smart locks

Gone are the days of fumbling for keys. Smart locks offer convenience and enhanced security with keyless entry. From PIN codes and fingerprints to smartphone apps that can unlock your doors, the lack of keys is both a luxury and a heightened security measure.

Energy Saving Trust*