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A carport's effect on property value can be positive or negative, depending on its condition and design. A high-quality, well-maintained carport can improve a home's selling appeal and may increase its value by a few percent, especially if it is thoughtfully designed with added utility like storage space or a workshop. However, a poorly-maintained carport in disrepair can have the opposite effect and detract from the home's sales appeal and value.

While some aspects of an appraisal, such as comparable properties nearby, are out of your control, there are several steps you can take to potentially increase your home's value. Make any necessary repairs and upgrades before the appraiser's visit, as they can only value what is currently part of the home, not its potential. Examples include renovating older areas, updating landscaping to boost curb appeal, and staging your home. You can also provide the appraiser with the cost of recent upgrades, which may increase your home's value by about 50% or more of what you paid for those improvements.

If you can’t find any records online, you’ll need to contact your county clerk’s office to do further research. They should have property records on file, or can at least point you in the right direction of who to contact. You can also speak with your neighbors about when their houses were built because they were likely built around the same time.

While it's smart to save up about 25 percent of the price of a home—to cover the down payment and closing costs—many loans require between less than 3% down to qualify. In either case, you'll need between 3 and 6 percent for the closing and moving costs as well as a strong financial history for mortgage approval.