Home Appraisal 101 for Sellers

A home appraisal happens after a home goes “under contract”. A licensed appraiser inspects the home to assess its worth. This happens because, occasionally, a home’s listed price is not its true worth. An appraisal can affect the buyers’ loan if they are financing. The coordination of an appraisal will happen on the buyers’ end. 

How can I make sure the value of my appraisal is maximized? 

Talk to your Real Estate Agent - Your agent should be looking at the homes in your area with similar specs as your home such as square footage, condition, and most recent updates. Your real estate agent will work with you to come up with a strategy and price to get your home on and off the market as quickly as possible. 

Repairs - Tend to any suggestions your agent may have. Something as small as a running toilet can impact the value of your home in an appraiser’s eyes.

Documentation - Keep a running list of all the improvements, renovations, and upgrades you’ve made. Having proof in the paper can make the appraisal process easier. 

Clean - A bit of cleaning goes a long way. Clean homes rank higher in overall condition in the eyes of an appraiser. 

Curb Appeal - An appraiser will assess all areas of your home. Simple tasks such as clearing the gutters, sweeping pathways, mowing the lawn, or even adding some decorations to the porch can add value to your appraisal.