Are you looking for the best home appraisal tips to be prepared for the appraiser?
Here is the appraisal preparation checklist you have been searching for.
Even in a sellers market I have noticed many homeowners who would have benefited from a few home appraisal tips.
It’s always better to be prepared, right?
Because the goal is to get you the highest home value.
This post is all about the best home appraisal tips to be prepared for the appraiser.
Home Appraisal Tips
Preparing for a home appraisal?
We have got you covered!
This guide will help make sure your home is ready to impress the appraiser and possibly boost its value.
Let’s dive in and get your home appraisal-ready!
Home Appraisal Tip # 1: Clean and Declutter
The first step in preparing for a home appraisal is also the easiest.
Just clean and declutter your home.
A clean and well organized home makes a good first impression that shows you’ve taken good care of your property.
Before you read on… let’s get one thing straight.. Your home does NOT need to be perfect.
Appraisers are human too and we understand that you live there.
But if a house looks like it hasn’t been cleaned in months or years then we wonder what else has been neglected.
So please read on with this perspective in mind….
- First Impressions Matter: A clean home that looks well-maintained can positively influence the appraiser’s evaluation of your home.
- Highlight Space: Decluttering helps point out your home’s best features and helps the appraiser to see all the improvements.
Tips for Cleaning and Decluttering
- Deep Clean: Focus on floors, windows, and surfaces, and make them shine.
- Declutter: Get rid of any unnecessary items lying around on your countertops, shelves, and floors. The less clutter, the better.
- Organize closets: These don’t need to be perfect. Be keep in mind that we are looking inside so it’s a good idea to at least be sure nothing will fall out when we open the door.
Home Appraisal Tip #2: Make Small Repairs
The next step is to make sure to take care of any little maintenance issues you might have around the house. Making these small repairs can have an impact on how your home is seen.
- Easy Repairs: Make sure to address minor issues like leaking faucets, chipped paint, or cracked walls.
- Exterior Improvement: Don’t forget about outside your home. Trim the bushes, wash the siding, and ensure all exterior lights work properly.
Why This is Important: Even minor repairs can give the appraiser a better impression of your home’s condition. This can positively affect the final appraisal value of your home.
Home Appraisal Tip #3: Improve Curb Appeal
The first thing that your appraiser will see is the outside of your home, so it’s important to make sure that it’s looking its best.
- Yard Work: Mow the lawn, plant some flowers, and edge the walkways. A neat, well-kept yard gives the impression that the rest of the home is also well-maintained.
- Exterior Improvements: Touch up paint where needed, clean the gutters, and power wash the driveway. These small steps can make a big difference.
Home Appraisal Tip #4: Compile Important Documents
Ensuring that you have the right paperwork ready shows that you’re organized and prepared, which can give a good impression to the appraiser.
- What to collect: Make a list of recent improvements, upgrades or renovations. (we do not need receipts)
- Why it’s important: This highlights the money and effort you’ve invested in your home and can help point out features that might not be immediately obvious.
Example: If you’ve recently replaced the roof or installed energy-efficient windows, these upgrades help determine overall condition and quality which can add value to your home.
Home Appraisal Tip #5: Stage Your Home
Staging your home isn’t just for open houses—it can also make a difference during an appraisal.
- Inside Your Home: Arrange furniture to highlight the flow and function of each room. Keep pathways clear and rooms open.
- Highlight Features: Draw attention to unique features like a fireplace or built-in shelving. Make sure these areas are clean and well-presented.
Tip: You don’t need to hire a professional stager, but a few strategic changes can make a big impact. For example, rearranging furniture and putting away non-essentials helps the appraiser see the quality and condition of the house.
Home Appraisal Tip #6: Ensure Access to All Areas
Make sure that the appraiser can access every part of your home. If some areas are blocked or difficult to reach, it could negatively impact the appraisal.
- Clear Paths: Make sure that there are no obstructions to any of the areas in your home and that they are easy to access.
- Unlock Doors: Ensure that all doors are unlocked and that dogs are secured and out of the way if you have any.
Why It Matters: The appraiser needs to see every part of your home to assess its condition accurately. Making sure they can easily access all areas will help ensure a fair and comprehensive appraisal.
Home Appraisal Tip #7: Understand Comparable Sales
Having knowledge of similar homes for sale in your area can help you understand your home’s market value.
- Research for Nearby Sales: Look for homes that are similar to yours that were sold recently and find out how much they sold for. This will give you an idea of your home’s value.
- Neighborhood Trends: Observe the market trends in your area. Check if home prices are generally rising or falling.
Share with the Appraiser: If you know of any recent sales that are particularly relevant, share this information with the appraiser. This context can help with the valuation process.
Home Appraisal Tip #8: Prepare for the Appraiser’s Visit
On the day of the appraisal, make sure your home is ready to shine.
- Be Present: If possible, be at home during the appraisal to answer any questions the appraiser might have. However, give them space to do their job without interference.
- Highlight Features: Take the opportunity to point out any upgrades or unique features of your home that might add value.
Respect Their Process: Remember that the appraiser is there to do a job, so it’s important to be cooperative but not overbearing. Provide the information they need and then let them work.
Home Appraisal Tip #9: Review the Appraisal Report
Review the appraisal report carefully when you receive it.
- Review the report for errors: Read the report and check to make sure that all information is correct. If you see any errors or if you have questions, reach out to the appraiser for clarification.
- Understand the Value: Understand how the appraiser determined the value of your home. Use that information to guide your next steps.
For more information about how to respond to an appraisal that is lower than you thought it would be, check out our post: Low Appraisal: Do You Know How to Successfully Respond?
You are Now Prepared for the Appraiser
You don’t have to be stressed about preparing for a home appraisal.
By following these steps, you will be ready to showcase your home at its best.
From cleaning to documentation, each of these tips can help show your home in the best possible way.
Remember that a well-prepared home may lead to an appraisal report that is more favorable.
Stay informed about home values and what matters most in house appraisals.
This post is all about the best home appraisal tips to be prepared for the appraiser.
