5 Things to Do Before Your Home Appraisal

Flathead Valley Real Estate Podcast with Brett Kelly

When you are preparing for a home appraisal, there are five things you can do to make sure your property looks its best. Tune in to learn more.
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One way to determine home value is to get an appraisal from a third-party appraiser. Whether you are selling your home or refinancing, there are five things you can do to prepare for the appraisal:

1. Clean up your yard to increase the curb appeal. The first thing the appraiser will see is your yard, so make sure it looks great. Trim the lawn, prune bushes and shrubs, and pick up toys or extra lawn chairs. Your yard should not look cluttered.

2. Make the appraiser’s visit a pleasant one. Make sure your home is set at a comfortable temperature. Turn on the air during the summer or make sure the home is nice and cozy in the fall. You should also declutter the home and get pets out of the way for the appraiser.

3. Keep the $500 rule in mind. Appraisers often measure home value in $500 increments, so take care of any minor repairs in your home. A broken mirror in the bathroom or torn carpeting could make a big difference in the appraised value of your home.

Make the appraiser’s visit a comfortable one.

4. Double check the basics. Make sure the lights are on and that everything is in working order. If elements in the home are in disrepair, your home will seem older than other comparable properties on the market. If anything in your home looks outdated, take a look and consider making a change.

5. Keep a list of repairs and upgrades. The appraiser doesn’t necessarily know what you have done to repair the home. If you have added a new porch, hot tub, or outdoor barbecue, make a list and keep the receipts. If you are present during the home appraisal, you can share that list with the appraiser; otherwise, leave the list and receipts on a counter or table for the appraiser to read.

Ultimately, it’s important to make the home as nice as possible so that the appraiser has a pleasant visit. If you have any other questions about home appraisals or about real estate in general, give me a call or send me an email. I would be happy to help you!