Most of us have a few ideas about getting an appraisal of our home. Did you know that you really should be prepared before the appraiser walks in the door? Here’s how!
Whether you are getting your home for sale or refinancing, you will probably need an appraiser for the lender. We have put together a few steps on how you should get ready.
Give your home a critical look
Look for any damage around your home. Do you have a crack in your foundation? Is your electrical wiring up to code? Are there any small fixes you can do to spruce your home up?
Improvements or renovations
Make sure that you make note of any improvements or renovations you have done to your home. For example, a new roof, new HVAC, or updated kitchen or bathrooms. Any of these improvements will increase the value of your home.
Upstyle your home
Make sure your home has fresh paint. Add new faucets or doorknobs. Add some new drapes or new towels in the bathroom. Anything that can make your home look updated can also be reflected in the appraiser’s notes.
Don’t forget curb appeal
Don’t just pay attention to the inside. The first glance is of the exterior of your home, make a good impression. Declutter any extra lawn chairs, children’s toys, etc. Make sure your grass is cut and gardens are weeded. Homes with beautiful exteriors really make a difference in the value of your home.
Fix the little things
If one of your tiles in the kitchen is broken or a cupboard door is off the track, make sure these are fixed. Generally, little fixes add up and can devalue your home immensely. Take the time to get these fixed before your appraisal begins.
An appraiser will look through your home, including closet space to assess the square footage of the home. When your home is being appraised you want it to look its best. Anything you can do to make your home look immaculate and decluttered will only give you the outcome you want.
These are just some ideas of what you can do as a seller to ready your home for appraisal. We will always offer suggestions on how we can stage your home for free to make it look its best. Give us a call so we can make sure your home is appraised with the true value so that you are in direct competition with other homes for sale in your neighbourhood. Let our Anne Winch Real Estate Team help you get your home on the market!