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What an estate agent looks for when carrying out a market appraisal

31.03.25
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When you're planning to sell your home in Bournemouth, Poole or any of the surrounding areas, understanding what estate agents consider during a market appraisal can help you present your property in the best light. It's not just about counting bedrooms and measuring square footage – a professional valuation looks at several factors that influence your home's marketability and price.

Key factors estate agents consider when appraising your property

Before the clipboard comes out, a local estate agent will assess more than just bricks and mortar when valuing your property. Professional estate agents pay attention to both obvious features and subtle details that impact marketability. Energy efficiency, smart home technology, and outdoor living spaces have gained significant importance in property valuations over the last few years. But floor plan efficiency, natural light quality, storage solutions, and overall presentation of your property remain elements that impact buyer interest and offer prices.

The condition of your property also plays a crucial role, particularly with the increases in building costs and home improvement since Brexit. Estate agents will note any signs of disrepair alongside positive aspects. A well-maintained home suggests pride of ownership and can positively influence potential buyers' perceptions – and ultimately, your selling price.

"Location, location, location" isn't just a cliché – it remains the golden rule of property valuation. Your home's proximity to good schools, transport links, and local amenities can significantly impact its value. Rightmove research found that 93% of parents consider schools when deciding if a location is right for them, and 83% of them would consider moving to be near a good school.

Comparing similar properties in your area

Your property doesn't exist in isolation. Estate agents will research comparable properties – homes similar to yours in the same location that have sold within the last 12 months and often longer, adjusting for differences in condition, size, and specific features. This comparative market analysis helps establish a realistic asking price that aligns with current market conditions. They will also consider properties currently available in similar areas that will be your competition on the market.

The importance of local market trends

The local property market in areas like Poole, Ringwood, Bournemouth, Wimborne and Ferndown varies dramatically by region, area, and even street. Your estate agent will analyse local market trends, including average time on the market, percentage of asking price achieved, and supply-demand dynamics.

Be aware that hyper-local market trends can affect your selling price. Is your area experiencing a buyer's or seller's market? Are there new developments or infrastructure improvements planned? These factors all influence your property's appeal and value, making it crucial that you work with an estate agent that knows the local area well.

A professional market appraisal goes far beyond a quick walk-through of your home. Estate agents draw on extensive local knowledge, comparable sales data, and local property market expertise to arrive at a valuation that maximises your chances of a successful sale.

By understanding what your estate agent looks for, you can prepare your property effectively and set realistic expectations for your selling journey. 

Give us a call for a professional market appraisal of your home. 
 

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Don’t hesitate to contact Hearnes for more information on how we will accurately value your property. Our team are on hand to fully explain our property valuation service so you know exactly what to expect.

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Do you have a question about how we’ll market and sell your property? Read on for answers to all your queries about our comprehensive service for sellers today. We guarantee 100% clarity from the outset.

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We write regular posts to share information on the world of property. Many of our posts provide real-time insights into local property trends. Take a look to find out more.

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Here at Hearnes, we have many happy clients. Read some of our reviews to see how we have helped buyers and sellers just like you.

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We have five branches, each dedicated to helping buyers and sellers in their local area. Find information, including contact details, for each of our branches here.

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Each of our branches has a dedicated and professional team ready to help buyers and sellers in their local area. Find out more about each of our team members here.

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Here at Hearnes, we are a people business operating within the property sector. We are all about service and going the extra mile to ensure our clients get the home they want as smoothly as possible.

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We're always happy to help. Whether you are looking to sell your home, buy a new one, or just want to chat with someone about how we can help with a stage in the process, get in touch, and we'll see what we can do!

Aerial photo of Wimborne Minister

Search for your next property

Search for your next property

Please view our current listings. Alternatively, get in touch if you don’t see any listings that match your criteria. We provide expert guidance to support your property search.

Photo of a river

What's your property worth?

What's your property worth?

Don’t hesitate to contact Hearnes for more information on how we will accurately value your property. Our team are on hand to fully explain our property valuation service so you know exactly what to expect.

Aerial photo of Badbury Rings

Marketing your property

Marketing your property

Do you have a question about how we’ll market and sell your property? Read on for answers to all your queries about our comprehensive service for sellers today. We guarantee 100% clarity from the outset.

Photo of a bench overlooking a river

Latest info

Latest info

We write regular posts to share information on the world of property. Many of our posts provide real-time insights into local property trends. Take a look to find out more.

Photo of Poole beach huts

Our reviews

Our reviews

Here at Hearnes, we have many happy clients. Read some of our reviews to see how we have helped buyers and sellers just like you.

Photo of a woodland walk

View our branches

View our branches

We have five branches, each dedicated to helping buyers and sellers in their local area. Find information, including contact details, for each of our branches here.

Photo of a country walk

Meet our team

Meet our team

Each of our branches has a dedicated and professional team ready to help buyers and sellers in their local area. Find out more about each of our team members here.

Aerial photo of Blue Lagoon, Lilliput, Poole

Where service counts

Where service counts

Here at Hearnes, we are a people business operating within the property sector. We are all about service and going the extra mile to ensure our clients get the home they want as smoothly as possible.

Photo showing an anchor in front of a building

Contact us

Contact us

We're always happy to help. Whether you are looking to sell your home, buy a new one, or just want to chat with someone about how we can help with a stage in the process, get in touch, and we'll see what we can do!