Before you wrap up a sale, purchase a home, or are approved to refinance your mortgage, you need to go through a real estate appraisal. The appraisal is carried out by a licensed or certified professional who conducts a thorough investigation of the property. At the end of the appraisal, she or he will give an unbiased assessment of your home’s value. The appraisal is used to determine the price of the home. Are you wondering how to get a high home appraisal? Follow our surefire advice!
- Improve your curb appeal.
Trip the hedges, clean out the gutters, and weed the front flowerbeds. An afternoon of amateur landscaping can really improve a house’s curb appeal. Make sure the first thing the appraiser sees is a well-kept home. I know, you probably don’t want to spend your Saturday power washing the windows, but a tidy home implies that you care about keeping your home in tip-top shape. - Make the appraisal pleasant.
You don’t need to be the perfect host and wait on the real estate appraiser. However, you should treat them as you would any houseguest; put your pets in their crates, clean up your clutter, and mow the lawn. Don’t underestimate the importance of a good first impression. - Don’t be too friendly.
You want to make the experience as smooth as possible, but you should give the appraiser space. Let her do her job—it’s normal to be curious about your results. Just don’t be suffocating. - Spruce up a little...
And don’t be afraid to spruce up a lot. There are some things you can DIY—such as fixing a leaky faucet—but there are some jobs that ought to be done professionally. Unless your brother-in-law owns his own painting business, he shouldn’t be entrusted with your living room walls. He may do a good job to the untrained eye, but any real estate appraiser can tell the difference. - Keep track of home improvements.
Before your appraisal, prepare a list of different upgrades to fixtures and new projects you’ve done to your home. A clear, concise list will make the appraiser’s job easier. Keep in mind that only permanent upgrades will impact the home’s value; let the appraiser know that you’ve replaced the kitchen’s well-worn vinyl flooring with hardwood. A new fridge, however, won’t make any difference. - Talk up the neighborhood.
Your appraiser will compare your property to others in the neighborhood, but she might not be familiar with everything happening about town. Tell her about the nearby park that’s been recently added to the national historic register. Mention the revitalization of the downtown district, and if possible, request a local appraiser. - Remember the “$500 Rule.”
A home appraisal is measured in increments of $500. Keep that in mind when you’re tallying up the minor damages and repairs you find around the home.
