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Remote Valuation Assist

If the Scottish property you’re selling is exempt from the Home Report legislation, one of our RICS Chartered Surveyors can prepare a Mortgage Valuation for you.

What is Remote Valuation Assist?

Remote Valuation Assist is a software application that enables homeowners to supply information and photographs of their property to support a Remote Valuation.

What is a Remote Valuation and why does e.surv need photographs of my property?

When you apply for a mortgage, your lender may instruct e.surv to value the property and make sure it is suitable for mortgage purposes. Depending on the mortgage and property type, your lender may instruct us to value the property via a Remote Valuation.

A Remote Valuation is a property appraisal method which is undertaken by a qualified surveyor using digital information and does not require them to physically visit the property. e.surv’s surveyors research various data sources, including the Land Registry, property portals, street, and satellite imagery and combine this with their local knowledge to provide an accurate valuation of the property. The valuation is supported by comparable evidence – typically three recent, similar transactions – to support the surveyor’s opinion of the value of the property.

Many properties do not have a recent sales history or an online digital footprint which can make it difficult to complete a Remote Valuation. Therefore, an appointment must be made with the homeowner for the surveyor to visit the property and complete a physical inspection and this could slow down the mortgage application.

Remote Valuation Assist enables a homeowner to supply information about their home, along with photographs, to give the surveyor the information they need to complete a Remote Valuation. Information provided will help the surveyor to identify your property and verify the number of rooms etc. The service also enables homeowners who have made improvements to their property to get a more accurate valuation.

How do I use Remote Valuation Assist?

Step 1. You will receive two text messages from e.surv – the first SMS provides information about the service and the second contains a unique link to the Remote Valuation Assist application.Click on the link to open the application and if prompted allow the application to use your current location.

Step 2. The welcome screen displays the property address. You must agree to the terms of use to proceed.

Step 3. Property details: Click on the drop-down buttons to record:

  1. The number of living rooms in your property.
  2. The number of kitchens in your property.
  3. The number of bathrooms in your property.
  4. The number of bedrooms in your property.
  5. Number of garages.
  6. Number of parking spaces.

You can also provide other information about the property, such as any recent extensions or improvements.

Step 4. Property photographs – Click on the camera icon to open the camera on your mobile phone and take a photograph. You will be able to retake the photo if you are not happy with it. Click “Use Photo” to upload the photograph. When you have added the required photographs click “Next”.

Step 5. To submit your information, click “Submit” on the final screen.

Why do I need to turn on my Location Services on my mobile phone?

The Remote Valuation Assist application will not work unless you turn on Location Services on your mobile devise (Location Services uses GPS and Bluetooth, Wi-Fi hotspots and cellular towers to determine the approximate location of your device). Photographs taken in the Remote Valuation Assist application will be tagged with the location where they are taken, this allows us to easily identify your property on Google maps.

How do I turn on Location Services on my iPhone?

  1. Go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services.
  2. Make sure that Location Services is on.
  3. Scroll down to find the Safari Websites app.
  4. Tap the app and choose an option:
  5. Allow While Using App; or Allow Once.

How do I turn on Location Services on my Android phone?

  1. Tap Settings.
  2. Tap Location.
  3. Use location and move the slider to On.

What photographs does e.surv need?

Element Description Photographs Required
Exterior Street View Take photos looking down each way of the street (both left and right) 2
Exterior Front Ensure the entire front of the property is captured, including your front door and house number/name 1
Exterior Rear If possible, capture the entire rear of the property and include photos of the view from the property 2
Living Room Ensure all walls, flooring and windows are captured 1 at opposing corners
Kitching Ensure all walls, flooring, and units are captured 1 at opposing corners
Bathroom(s) Ensure all walls, flooring, sink, and fixtures are captured 1 at opposing corners
Bedroom(s) Ensure all walls, flooring, and windows are captured 1 at opposing corners

Tips for taking photographs:

  • Ensure the camera lens is clean.
  • Switch on room lights and open curtains and blinds.
  • Do not use the zoom as this generally makes the picture grainy.
  • Do not use the flash as this can create harsh and washed-out pictures.
  • Do not edit the photo in any way.
  • Stand in the corner of the room, keep the phone at chest height and remember not to move when taking the photograph.

IMPORTANT
Please make sure the photographs do not contain any personal information, people, or family photos.

What should I do if my mobile phone does not have a working camera?

If your mobile phone does not have a working camera, please call us as soon as possible on 0800 169 9661.

What should I do if I have a problem?

Please call our helpline on 0800 169 9661 and one of our customer advisors will be able to help you.

How will my information be used?

For information on how e.surv processes data, please view our Privacy Notice at https://www.esurv.co.uk/privacy-and-cookies/.

Your data will not be shared with anyone, except e.surv’s IT partner (CoreLogic UK) who administers the Remote Valuation Assist application.