You may be well-prepared for your home appraisal, but is your home ready?

Are you getting ready for a home appraisal? Here are essential tips to help you prepare and present your property in the best light.

Structure: When preparing a home for appraisal, focusing on the structure itself is vital. It’s like giving your house a health check-up! Structural improvements directly affect the home’s integrity and longevity. To get your home in tip-top shape, check roof and foundation for any needed repairs, and fix doors or windows. These tasks, when completed, can give your property’s appraised value a nice boost. A structurally sound and well-maintained home is more likely to lead to a higher valuation.

Interior: Interior renovations also play a starring role in increasing a home’s appraisal value. You don’t need to go overboard with complete room overhauls – they might not give you a dollar-for-dollar return anyway. Instead, think strategic updates that can make a big difference. Why not give your kitchen or bathroom a modern makeover? Even small touches like updating fixtures or applying fresh paint can work wonders. Appraisers look at the overall condition and quality of your house, so addressing visible wear is like putting your best foot forward.

Home Systems: The age and condition of major home systems is another key factor in an appraisal. Upgrading outdated HVAC systems, electrical wiring, or plumbing can give your home’s value a significant boost. Pro tip: energy-efficient improvements, such as new windows or insulation, are like music to an appraiser’s ears. They reduce long-term costs and are definite highlights. Want to really impress? Consider modernizing with smart technology or a security system – these features are becoming increasingly desirable.

Living Space: Adding usable living space can substantially impact your home’s appraised value. It’s like giving your house a growth spurt! Finishing a basement or converting an attic into a bedroom can boost your property’s square footage and functionality. But make sure any additions or conversions are properly permitted and conform to local building codes. Unpermitted work can be a negative.

When you’ve checked through these four areas, take a final walk with fresh eyes. Start as if you are new to your home, arriving at the front entrance. Turn on a critical eye and access each space as if you’re there for the first time. Every area should be accessible, safe, clean and comfortable. This final step can help you catch things you might have missed!

You can maximize you property’s appraised value and potentially see a strong return on investment. Questions? Contact us!