How To Prepare For a Home Appraisal

The home appraisal involves having a licensed professional assess the property to determine its fair market value. If you’re selling your home, the appraisal can affect how much money you’ll be able to get for the property. If you’re buying a home, the appraisal can protect you from overpaying.

Here are some tips on how to prep for a home appraisal.

Tips for Sellers

If you’re planning to sell your home, here are some ways to prepare for an appraisal:

• Make repairs or updates. Whether it means replacing dated or dysfunctional appliances or updating the entire kitchen, improvements can boost a home’s appraised value. Be sure to show proof of any upgrades to the appraiser.
• Research market conditions. Check out recent sales of nearby homes to get an idea of what your home’s appraised value might be.
• Boost your curb appeal. Have the lawn mowed and the trees trimmed, and slap a new coat of paint on the house if it needs it. Improving the curb appeal of your home can help boost its value.
• Declutter the house. Tidy up the home and make sure things are where they belong.
• Clean thoroughly. A deep clean of the house can make it shine, especially if you’ve been living there for a while.

FAQ

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about how to prepare for an appraisal.

What negatively affects a home appraisal?

Some factors that can negatively affect your home appraisal include:
– Old appliances.
– Dated heating and cooling systems.
– Leaky plumbing.
– A faulty roof.
– Evidence of mold or water damage.
– Old building materials.

What increases the home’s value on an appraisal?

Some of the ways you can help improve the appraised value of your home include:
– Boosting its curb appeal.
– Updating the appliances.
– Making necessary repairs.
– Replacing broken features.

Should you walk around with the appraiser?

Whether you’re the seller or buyer, it can be in your best interest to accompany the appraiser during the walk-through. If you’re trying to sell your home, you’ll be able to give the appraiser useful information about any recent improvements you’ve made. If you’re the buyer, you’ll have a chance to ask questions and get a closer look at the property you’re considering buying.