The purpose of a home appraisal is to make sure the value of your home is at least equal to the total amount that will need to be financed by a future buyer. The prospect of an impending real estate appraisal may seem a bit daunting, but by learning how to prepare for a home appraisal, you can calm your nerves and make sure your home is ready. These are some home appraisal tips you’ll want to keep in mind in the days leading up to your appraisal.
1) Don’t Neglect Curb Appeal
It’s easy to focus on what’s going on inside your home, but curb appeal is just as important when it comes to determining your home value. You’ll want to make sure your home looks as welcoming as possible from the outside. This means taking the time to do some simple landscaping, making sure your yard is well taken care of, and cleaning up your home’s exterior. A power washing of your home’s brick or siding, along with a professional window washing, can go a long way toward improving your home’s value.
2) Document Improvements
If you’ve put money into home improvements since you’ve owned your home, make sure these are well documented and pointed out to your appraiser. Ideally, you’ll want to provide your appraiser with a spreadsheet of what improvements you’ve made, how much they cost, and when they were done. This will be helpful in providing an accurate appraisal estimate for your home.
3) Show a Little Hospitality
Real estate appraisers are trained to be impartial at all times, but it’s common courtesy to make sure your appraiser is as comfortable as possible during the appraisal process. If you’re still living in your home, take the time to secure any pets before the appraiser arrives so they aren’t the target of enthusiastic welcomes.
If you’re no longer living in the home, consider stopping by to kick the heat or air conditioning up to a comfortable temperature before their arrival. Making your appraiser more comfortable won’t improve your appraisal report, but it will allow them to see your home at its best and ensure they can be as thorough as possible.
4) Talk Up Neighborhood Amenities
Remember, the condition of your home isn’t the only determining factor of its value. Location is everything! If you’ve hired an experienced, local appraiser, they should already be aware of most of your neighborhood amenities and perks. However, it never hurts to point out that great park around the corner or that strip of local boutique shops within walking distance. These seemingly small neighborhood amenities can really make a big difference in the total appraised value of your home.
There are plenty of steps you can take to prepare your home for an upcoming real estate appraisal that don’y involve spending a lot of money on last-minute improvements. By taking the time to boost your curb appeal, document improvements, make sure your appraiser is comfortable, and point out your local amenities, you can make sure your home’s value is reflected accurately in the appraisal report.
If you would like to learn more about how to prepare for a home appraisal in Arkansas, contact Ferstl Valuation Services at 501.313.0641 to schedule a free consultation! We have over 48 years of experience in Arkansas, and we are the largest full-service appraisal firm in the state.
