How to Prepare for a Home Appraisal?

That’s a good question with lots of answers, and we here at Housso are ready to answer them for you. Before you list your home for sale and open the doors to the public, you’ll first want to get an appraisal to determine the value of your home. Contact a licensed professional to conduct the appraisal; they will be able to establish the current value of your house against others on the market.

Whether you’re looking to sell or refinance your home, you’ll need to get an appraisal, in fact, the bank will require one. The appraisal will determine the price you can advertise your home for or the refinancing details.

The following points will help you learn how to prepare for a home appraisal:

• Inspect your Home:

  Before the appraisal, walk around your home and inspect every aspect from the rooms to the garage and everything in between. Make sure any safety equipment is properly installed and up to date and code. When the appraiser arrives, inform them of any home upgrades or improvements that you have made to your home.

• Inspect your Property:

  You’ll also want to inspect the exterior of your home, check the front and backyard. Make sure your landscaping is presentable and remove any unnecessary items. Water the plants a few days ahead of the appraisal and clean the driveway.

• Clean and Polish:

  Your home should look ready for sale, so take a day or two to clean and polish anything that needs attention. The appraisal will be determined by the current condition of your home, take this time to increase the value by increasing your home’s condition.

• Research:

  Find out what other similar homes are selling for in your neighborhood and take this information to the appraiser.

• The $500 rule:

  Set aside some money for repairs and replacements. As a rule of thumb, this should cost no more than $500 per project, which can save you thousands on the appraisal.

By preparing for an appraisal, you’ll have a better chance of getting advantageous results that will translate into a good refinance deal or a higher asking price.