Waiting for an appraisal on your home can be one of the most stressful times in the entire home-selling process. That’s because the appraisal helps determine how much you should ask for your home. While there are many things you can’t control such as the size of the house, there are steps you can take to ensure your home receives the highest appraisal possible. Make sure to do the following things to get your home appraisal-ready.
Make Repairs And Keep Up With Routine Maintenance
Walk around your house and note anything that needs attention. Make necessary repairs like patching holes in the walls or replacing broken windows. Apply a fresh coat of paint to outdated or stained walls and shampoo the carpets and polish the floors. Be sure to keep up with lawn care to make a solid first impression when the appraiser arrives. Everything you do to improve your home’s appearance before the appraiser arrives will have a positive impact on the final appraisal.
Present A Clean And Clutter-Free Home
You never get a second chance to make a good first impression, so go out of your way to present a clean and clutter-free home. Go around your home and remove anything that doesn’t have a place. Be sure closets are organized and that cabinets are neat and tidy. The appraiser will look inside and under everything, so you shouldn’t try to hide things anywhere.
Be sure to dust and vacuum the entire house and use air freshener before the appraiser arrives. A fresh-smelling home leaves a lasting impression that will help influence the final appraisal for the better.
Let The Appraiser Know Of Any Upgrades Or Maintenance You’ve Conducted On Your Home
If you’ve made any upgrades or major maintenance on your home in the recent past, it’s always a good idea to let the appraiser know, as he may look favorably on this and give your home a higher value. Show him receipts or some other record that proves the work was done.
Things like replacing old windows, installing a new furnace, and roof repair will all have a positive effect on your appraisal as it shows you’ve cared for the condition of your home.
Be Welcoming And Accommodating To The Appraiser
Being hospitable is always a good idea, especially when you have so much to gain from doing so. Welcome the appraiser into your home and treat them as you would any other guest. If you have pets, lock them up in a room or a kennel to keep them from jumping on the appraiser, and if you have kids, be sure they are tended to by someone the entire time the professional is in your house to minimize any distractions.
Selling your home is an anxiety-filled process, of which, getting a high appraisal value is probably the most stressful. You can avoid a lot of the stress by following the aforementioned suggestions above. With just a bit of effort and minimal investment, you’ll ensure your home’s appraisal comes in at or above what you expected it to.
