If you’ve ever typed your postcode into an online valuation tool “just to see”, you’re definitely not alone. We see it all the time — homeowners curious about what their place might be worth, usually in between making a cuppa or scrolling on their phone in the evening.
And to be fair, online valuations aren’t useless. They can give you a rough starting point.
But the key word there is rough.
But the key word there is rough.
Because when it comes to accurately valuing a home in Exeter, the difference between an online estimate and a local agent’s valuation can be bigger than you might expect.
What online valuations do well
Online valuation tools use data. Lots of it.
They look at:
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Recent sold prices
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Property size
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Number of bedrooms
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Postcode trends
That’s why they’re quick and easy. In seconds, you get a number that feels reassuringly precise.
But here’s the thing — property isn’t just data.
Where online valuations fall short
Online tools can’t see your home.
They don’t know:
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If your kitchen was renovated last year
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Whether your garden gets afternoon sun
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If your street has on-road parking issues
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Or if your neighbour’s sale fell through and reset buyer expectations
They also can’t tell the difference between two houses on the same road — even though we regularly see those sell for very different prices.
And in Exeter especially, those small details matter a lot.
Let’s talk about why.
When we value a home, we’re not just looking at recent sales — we’re thinking about buyers.
We know:
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Which streets buyers specifically ask for
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Where demand is strongest right now
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What buyers are commenting on during viewings
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And what price points are creating competition versus hesitation
That kind of insight doesn’t come from an algorithm.
It comes from being out on the streets, conducting viewings, negotiating offers and seeing patterns play out in real time.
It comes from being out on the streets, conducting viewings, negotiating offers and seeing patterns play out in real time.
Why local knowledge changes everything
One of the biggest differences between an online valuation and a local agent’s advice is strategy.
An online tool gives you a figure.
A local agent helps you decide:
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How to position your home in the market
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Whether to price competitively or test demand
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How buyer psychology might affect offers
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What will help your home stand out against similar listings
Sometimes the “highest” valuation isn’t the best one.
So which should you trust?
Online valuations are fine for curiosity.
But if you’re genuinely thinking about selling — or even just planning ahead — a local valuation will always give you a clearer, more realistic picture.
Not just of what your home could be worth, but what buyers are actually willing to pay.
And that’s the difference that really matters.
Final thoughts
Every home is different.
Every street behaves differently.
And every buyer reacts differently.
Every street behaves differently.
And every buyer reacts differently.
That’s why no two valuations should ever feel identical.
If you’d like a chat — no pressure, no obligation — we’re always happy to take a look and share what we’re seeing locally.
