How do you prepare your home for an appraisal and boost its value?

1 Clean and declutter

One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to improve your home's appearance and functionality is to clean and declutter. A dirty or messy home can give the impression that it is poorly maintained and has hidden issues. A clean and organized home, on the other hand, can showcase its best features and create a positive impression on the appraiser. Before the appraisal, make sure to deep clean every room, remove any personal items, and clear out any excess furniture or belongings that may make the space look smaller or crowded.

2 Make minor repairs and upgrades

Another way to increase your home's value and appeal is to make minor repairs and upgrades that can fix any defects or enhance its quality. For example, you can replace any broken or outdated fixtures, appliances, or hardware, patch up any holes or cracks in the walls or ceilings, repaint any faded or stained areas, and install new flooring or carpeting if needed. These small improvements can make a big difference in how your home looks and functions, and can also demonstrate that you have taken good care of the property.

3 Highlight your home's features

One of the main goals of the appraisal is to compare your home to similar properties in the area and determine its market value. Therefore, it is important to highlight your home's features that make it stand out from the competition and justify its price. For example, you can point out any recent renovations or additions, any energy-efficient or smart devices, any unique or custom designs, or any amenities or facilities that add value or convenience to your home. You can also provide the appraiser with a list of comparable sales in your neighborhood that support your asking price.

4 Boost your curb appeal

Your home's exterior is the first thing that the appraiser and potential buyers will see, so you want to make sure it looks inviting and attractive. Boosting your curb appeal can increase your home's perceived value and make a lasting impression. Some of the ways you can improve your curb appeal are to mow the lawn, trim the bushes, weed the garden, plant some flowers, paint the front door, replace the mailbox, and add some lighting or decorations.

5 Be prepared and cooperative

Finally, you want to be prepared and cooperative during the appraisal process and avoid any conflicts or misunderstandings that may affect the outcome. You can do this by scheduling the appraisal at a convenient time, being present and available to answer any questions or provide any documents, and respecting the appraiser's professionalism and independence. You can also ask for a copy of the appraisal report and review it for any errors or discrepancies. If you disagree with the appraisal value, you can challenge it by providing evidence of any factors that may have been overlooked or undervalued.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?