Boost Your Appraisal

When selling your home, a very important part of the process includes a home appraisal. The ultimate goal is to have your home appraise at the highest dollar amount possible. There are a number of factors that will affect the end-value of your appraisal. As a homeowner, you cannot control such factors as the housing market, comparable sales in the area, and the age and location of your home. Many factors, however, are within your control.

Prepare as You Would for a Showing

Appraisers are human, and a clean, well-maintained, welcoming home makes a better impression than a cluttered or dirty one. Clean thoroughly, tidy the exterior, touch up paint, and ensure the home smells fresh. While appraisers are trained to be objective, presentation matters at the margins.

Make a List of Recent Improvements

Compile a comprehensive list of all upgrades and improvements you’ve made to the home, including approximate costs and dates. This includes kitchen and bathroom updates, new flooring, roof replacement, HVAC upgrades, solar installation, new windows, and any permitted additions. Present this list to the appraiser at the beginning of the inspection.

Know Your Comps

Do your homework on recent comparable sales in your neighborhood. If you believe the appraiser may miss a relevant comparable, provide it to them. While appraisers conduct their own research, providing data you have can be helpful, particularly in unique or rapidly changing markets.

Make Minor Repairs Before the Appraisal

Address visible deferred maintenance before the appraisal: fix leaking faucets, patch holes in drywall, touch up peeling paint, repair broken fixtures. These small items can trigger negative notes in an appraisal report and may suggest to the appraiser that the property has not been well-maintained.

Enhance Curb Appeal

First impressions matter in an appraisal just as they do for buyers. Mow the lawn, trim shrubs, add fresh mulch to flower beds, and clean the exterior. A home that looks well-cared-for from the street starts the appraiser’s visit on a positive note.