Get Your Home Ready to Shine: Tips for a Top-Notch Appraisal
Ready to make a big move—selling, refinancing, dividing assets, settling an estate, or just figuring out those pesky capital gains? Then it’s time to prep for an appraisal and potentially make your home’s value do a happy dance!
An appraisal is your home’s moment in the spotlight. It’s the official word on your property’s worth, taking into account everything from your home’s charm to its neighborhood vibe and even the historical gossip. If you’re planning to refinance, sell, or buy, an appraisal gives mortgage lenders the scoop they need to hand out loans—based on the purchase price or appraisal, whichever is more modest. For those navigating divorce or selling, a precise appraisal ensures your home’s selling price is as fair as a coin toss.
How to Get Your House Glam-Ready for an Appraisal
Remember when you first listed your home and it sparkled like a diamond? Well, it’s time to channel that energy again. To prep, gather all the juicy details about your home, like recent upgrades and neighborhood perks. Then, turn your attention to the home’s appearance. Fix up any niggling issues and get estimates for bigger fixes. Imagine you’re hosting a grand open house—make your home look its absolute best, and tackle anything that slipped through the cracks the first time around.
On appraisal day, ensure the appraiser has a clear path to explore every nook and cranny of your home. And, if your pets have a flair for mischief, you might want to keep them out of the spotlight. We’ve put together a comprehensive checklist to help you prep like a pro:
Pre-Appraisal Checklist Extravaganza
Home Details
- List of improvements from the past 15 years (dates and costs included).
- Plot/blueprint or property survey.
- Home inspection reports (current and previous)—confused about these? We’ve got a blog post that clears things up.
- Copies of previous appraisals to show how the value has evolved.
- Non-permitted additions—these can be tricky and might affect your home’s value.
- Neighborhood Perks
- Info on nearby schools and their programs.
- Parks and green spaces.
- Shopping and amenities.
- Public transport locations.
- Any new infrastructure additions since you moved in.
Interior TLC
- Freshen up with a coat of paint where needed.
- Repair or replace broken hardware and fixtures.
- Clean carpets and mop floors.
- Fix loose floorboards and broken blinds.
Installations Check
- Working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors?
- Is the water heater strapped?
- Security system in good shape?
- Appliances installed and functioning?
Repair Round-Up
- Note major repairs and their costs. The appraiser can factor these into the value as if they’re already completed.
- Fix leaks, wall cracks, flooring damage, and other issues.
Exterior Enhancements
- Clear clutter and stray toys from yards.
- Mow the lawn and spruce up the garden.
- Add some color with flowers, if possible.
- Touch up paint, fix broken gutters, and update fixtures and address numbers.
Got questions or need a hand with the appraisal process? We are your go-to expert for residential appraisals. Whether you’re refinancing, buying, or selling we have over 20 years of experience. We provide the most accurate and comprehensive evaluations. Ready for your appraisal? Contact us today!