The best thing a homeowner can do to prepare for a home appraisal is to ensure an appraiser has easy access to the exterior and interior of the home.

The first step in most appraisals is the property inspection. An appraiser will record the layout of the rooms, take photos, and document the general condition of the home. The appraiser provides a professional, unbiased determination of market value to be used in real estate transactions.

When you prepare for a home appraisal, the process does not have to be complicated. Consider these tips, but don’t become overwhelmed. Do as much as you can, and if you can’t do anything except let the appraiser in, then just do that and don’t sweat it!

Clean up the clutter.

Clean your home up on the inside and outside. Because the first step of the appraisal is property inspection, it is beneficial (though not necessary) to trim any bushes and relocate items that would make it difficult for an appraiser to measure the structure. Ensure an appraiser will have easy access to items such as furnaces and water heaters.

Enhance your home’s curb appeal by maintaining the landscape. Consider these simple tips to boost your appraisal value.

• Mow the lawn
• Mulch flower beds
• Put a fresh coat of paint on the door
• Pressure wash the curb, porch, and driveway

Another simple tip to prepare for a home appraisal is to turn on the lights in your home. This makes it easier for the appraiser to walk through and see everything.

Make minor fixes.

A great way to prepare for a home appraisal is by walking through your home to see if you
find any noticeable issues. Do you have rotted wood or rusted gutters? These are quick-fix
items that require minor updating.

Additional items that could require minor fixes include:

• Heating and cooling systems are serviced and in functional condition
• Appliances are operational and well-maintained
• Leaks are patched
• Broken windows are replaced
• Cracks in the walls are patched and painted

It is important to remember that the current condition and functionality of the home is
more important to the appraiser than the age of the home.

Compile a list of previous home renovations.

If your home has undergone previous home renovations, compile a list of those things and
make it available to the appraiser. Your appraiser may or may not want to see all the details,
below, but at least having a list of what has been done will be welcomed by all appraisers!
You can opt to pull a folder together and include:

• Receipts
• Before and after photos of renovations
• Taxation details
• Permits

An appraiser is primarily looking at the condition of your home. This is one of the primary
things that helps to determine where your house will place in the market. Any maintenance
or renovation item is important information for the appraiser to have.

When an appraiser visits your home, he or she will take notes of everything that is part of
the property. An appraiser will assess the condition of your home and how well it has been
maintained. The process does not have to be stressful. Consider these tips to best prepare
for a home appraisal!

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Definitive Valuations is North Alabama’s premiere appraisal firm. Our mission is to provide
superior valuation and consulting services in Huntsville, Alabama, and surrounding areas.
Our staff strives to understand your needs and to provide the best solution for your
situation – whether for financial planning, relocation, tax dispute, legal matters, pre-listing,
or any other purposes. Discover more here.