Are you planning to sell your home or refinance your mortgage? Then, you’ll need a professional appraisal of your property’s value. However, the process can be overwhelming and confusing for homeowners who are not familiar with real estate jargon and practices. That’s why we’ve gathered some expert advice on the dos and don’ts of home appraisals to help you prepare for this crucial step in your financial journey. From tips on how to boost your home’s value to common mistakes that could affect its appraisal results, stay tuned for our comprehensive guide!
What Appraisers Look for in a Home
When appraising a home, appraisers are looking for certain features that will affect the value of the property. Some of these features are more important than others, and some may be specific to the area in which the home is located. Here are some of the things that appraisers look for when appraising a home:
The condition of the property: The condition of the property is one of the most important factors in determining its value. Appraisers will take into account the age and condition of the home, as well as any necessary repairs or upgrades.
The size and layout of the property: The size and layout of the property will also affect its value. Appraisers will consider how many bedrooms and bathrooms there are, as well as the overall square footage of the home.
The location of the property: The location of the property is another important factor in its value. Appraisers will take into account things like the neighborhood, school district, and proximity to amenities.
The comparable sales in the area: In order to determine what a fair price for a home is, appraisers will look at comparable sales in the area. This helps them to see what similar homes have recently sold for, and gives them a good idea of what to expect for this particular property.
How to Prepare Your Home for an Appraisal
If you’re getting your home appraised, there are a few things you can do to prepare. First, make sure the exterior of your home is in good condition. This means power washing the siding, trimming the bushes, and mowing the lawn. You want the appraiser to get a good first impression of your home.
Inside, clean up as much as possible. This doesn’t mean doing a deep cleaning, but just tidying up and putting away any clutter. You want the appraiser to be able to focus on the features of your home, not on the mess. In addition, make sure all appliances are in working order and that any repairs that need to be made are taken care of before the appraisal.
Finally, don’t forget about curb appeal. This is the first thing an appraiser will see when they pull up to your home, so make sure it looks its best. A few simple things like sweeping the walkway and planting some flowers can go a long way.
Dos and Don’ts of Dealing with Appraisers
If you’re selling your home, you’ll need to deal with appraisers at some point in the process. Here are some Dos and Don’ts of dealing with appraisers:
Do:
-Be prepared: Make sure your home is in tip-top shape before the appraiser arrives. This means decluttering, deep cleaning, and repairing any obvious damage.
-Be friendly: Appraisers are people too! Greet them with a smile and offer them refreshments.
-Be available: If the appraiser has any questions, make yourself available to answer them.
-Provide relevant information: If you have any documentation that could impact the value of your home (such as recent renovations), be sure to provide it to the appraiser.
Don’t:
-Try to influence the appraisal: It’s important to remember that appraisers are objective professionals. Trying to influence their opinion will only do more harm than good.
-Get in their way: Appraisers need access to all areas of your home, so don’t try to restrict their movement.
-Be overly critical: If you don’t agree with the appraisal, keep your criticisms to yourself (at least until after the sale is complete).
Conclusion
Home appraisals are essential in the real estate industry and can determine the value of a house, as well as help buyers and sellers negotiate terms. We hope this article has provided valuable insight into what home appraisals entail, what to do, and what not to do when dealing with them. Keep these dos and don’ts in mind so that you can make sure your appraisal process goes smoothly for all parties involved!
