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Yes, home appraisers look at your windows when appraising your property to determine the market value of your home. They’ll factor in the type of windows, quality, condition, whether or not there are screens covering the windows, frame materials, size, insulation, and more to come up with an unbiased property assessment.

Stylish drop tiles, such as wood or metal, could add value to your home if the drop ceiling hides imperfections on an old surface. However, traditional fiberboard and plastic drop ceilings can have the opposite effect, especially if new prospective buyers do not like that aesthetic. Savvy buyers may also know that drop ceilings are a go-to ceiling option in areas where leaks are an issue, given the easy access to the area above the ceiling and the ease of replacing a single tile. This could dissuade a buyer from purchasing your home.

It’s often a good idea to take care of any health and safety repairs before an appraisal to make sure the mortgage can move to underwriting without having to pay for another appraisal. Replace any broken glass, fix uneven or sloping floors, ensure all steps have appropriate handrails, and have a professional get rid of mold, asbestos, and lead paint. Beyond these repairs, you can update appliances or fixtures and focus on aesthetic improvements like new paint to add the most value before scheduling an appraisal.

Ideally, you’d never pay more than the appraised value for a home, but there are some instances where it makes sense to do so. For example, if your current living arrangements are no longer viable and you need a place to move into quickly, paying more than the appraised value might be in your best interest to secure a new home. Additionally, if you’re buying in a hot market, overpaying for the home might be necessary to overcome the competition.