Maximize your appraisal value with a few easy tips
Preparing for a home appraisal helps you maximize your property value by improving curb appeal, making repairs, and documenting upgrades before the appraiser arrives.
You should clean and declutter your home so the appraiser can move through easily, and a tidy space shows your property is well maintained.
Gather documentation of upgrades like roof replacements or kitchen renovations, and point out improvements to electrical, plumbing, or HVAC systems the appraiser can't see.
Hiring a local house appraising professional provides reliable guidance on pricing and comps, helping you list your home at the right price for your market.
A home appraisal can make or break a sale when you’re selling your home. Being well-prepared for an appraisal can help you get the best appraisal value and prevent any issues that a low appraisal can cause. Buyers normally cover the cost of a home appraisal, but it’s in the seller’s best interest to prepare their home for the appraisal to maximize the appraisal value.
Your home’s exterior and yard are the first things a local home appraiser will see, so keep them looking their best. Clean up your yard, trim back trees and bushes, add fresh mulch, and clean up the driveway and walkways. If needed, clean your siding, touch up any exterior paint, and ensure your deck, porch, and patio are in good condition. While a home appraisal isn’t the same as a land appraisal, your yard is part of the property and will play a part in determining your appraisal value.
The appraiser won’t specifically factor in how clean your home is into the appraisal, but a clean, decluttered home speaks well to the home’s condition and will look well maintained in the pictures that accompany the appraisal. A clean, uncluttered home looks well cared for and appealing to buyers. Decluttering also has the added bonus of making your home accessible for the appraiser.
Knowing what improvements you’ve made can help an appraiser determine the value of your house. Put together a list of upgrades like a recent roof replacement, kitchen renovations, or anything else that adds value to your home, and gather documentation like receipts or work invoices in one place so the appraiser can factor the improvements into the appraisal value. Some upgrades may not be immediately visible, so be sure to point out any improvements to your electrical, plumbing, or HVAC systems.
An appraisal takes more than just your home’s condition into consideration—the sales prices of nearby comparable homes, called “comps,” also help determine your home’s value. How much nearby homes have recently sold for can affect your appraisal vs. market value and dictate how much your home can actually sell for. As a seller, you may want to pay for a home appraisal before listing so you can list your home at a good price that your local market supports.
If you have any minor repairs you’ve been putting off, now’s the time to do them. Even small problems can hurt your appraisal value, so fix any plumbing issues, replace that faulty light fixture, and finally, fix the loose railing on the porch. Safety issues, in particular, should be a priority on your fix-it list. FHA appraisal guidelines put a particular emphasis on the property’s safety, so make sure everything is up to standard before the appraiser comes.
Don’t underestimate what a spruced-up interior can do for your appraisal value. Add a fresh coat of paint, replace worn-out fixtures and hardware, and create a warm, welcoming feel to show your home is well-maintained and taken care of. While superficial updates may seem like a minor improvement, they can make a noticeable impact on your appraisal.
Cole has been handling plumbing and general contracting for our four properties over the past three years, and he’s always done a great job. Most recently, he installed a sink and countertop in our retail store where none existed before, and it turned out exactly how we needed. He’s...
ANB Renovations LLCBest cleaning I've had at my property
This company is my go to resource for all my post renovation clean ups. They get the place spotless! All we have to do after is stage the place and sell, sell, sell! They are super professional and have some amazing scent that is left in every property. I highly recommend!
The Royal Sanitation GroupWindow Depot did an amazing job on my deck. I wasnt sure what I wanted to do, but their composite decking was affordable and will last a long time. I am excited to have family over, and I am no longer embarrassed by my backyard. Jeff and the ground crew were polite, respectful, and caring for...
Window Depot USA of Central OhioScott did not get appropriate access to the property prior to the scheduled inspection which required us to come back later in the day to complete it. He also, unprofessionally, knocked on a neighbor?s door in his attempts to reach someone with access. His overall report was fine though the...
Security First Home InspectionsJeff was a consummate professional. Responsive, courteous, and focused on meeting our needs. I had a small project of installing and replacing two ceiling light fixtures. He responded to my Home Advisory inquiry within 24 hours and in a span of two weeks our light fixtures were installed. ...
They damaged multiple items on my property, including a marble slab used as a table top, tried to hide it, and refused to pay or replace. Arrived day one without a ladder to access roof & delayed a day. Left a mess in back yard; didn't wear face masks; no show by owner to property to see damages
Grants Tree ServiceAbsolutely amazing, Rob and his team are extremely efficient and professional. Pink Dumpster Rentals, Demolition, And Hauling is a go to for getting my property cleared up so we can pursue the upgrades we want to make on our home.
Pink Dumpster Rentals, Demolition, And HaulingFast, professional and respectful of my property.
Paramount Heating & Air Conditioning, LLCVery Friendly people to work with. Delivered appraisal within time given as expectation.
Appraise Ohio, LLCFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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