Getting the most out of your appraisal is an important step in the real estate process. While each property is a little different and requires its own individual repairs, taking care of a few key areas can help you get the best value on your appraisal. Here are four things you should do before the appraiser comes to visit:
1. Take Care of Little Things
While it might not seem like much, taking care of small items can make a huge difference. Walk around your home with a critical eye and take notice of what needs to be fixed, cleaned, or replaced such as dirty carpets, leaking faucets, and cracked tiles. Add a fresh coat of paint to your front door. Touch up interior walls. Make sure your property is cleaned up, including the landscaping and yard. Remove dead plants, mow the lawn, and trim large or overgrown trees and shrubs.
2. Fix the Safety Concerns
It’s important to fix anything that’s a potential safety concern because it’s an obvious red flag for the appraiser. Any safety violations could potentially hinder the entire loan process and affect the end result. The most common safety concerns include making sure your water heater is strapped down properly, adding a handrail to steps, stairwells, and decks, and smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are placed in adherence to the code.
3. Updating your Home
Focus on areas that’ll provide the most value to the overall price of the home, like the kitchen and bathrooms. While you don't have to break the bank on these upgrades, some new tile, fixtures, counters, and cabinets can make quite a difference. Complete any updates before the appraisal – you don’t want your home to be under construction. Also, be sure to obtain any necessary permits before you begin.
4. Add Some Extras
Adding a few extra touches can make your house shine. This includes updating exterior light fixtures, repairing or replacing the fencing, adding shutters, or planter boxes to increase curb appeal.
While there’s always more work that could be done to perfect your home before an appraisal, focusing on the right items can help you get the most value. However, an experienced real estate agent may be able to advise you with further ideas for your specific home.
Orange County’s Credit Union developed the Home Connections program to pair Members with experienced, local real estate agents. When you enroll in the Home Connection Programs, you’ll receive 20% commission rebate from participating agents.* And home sellers can enjoy a flat 1.5% listing fee.* Click here for details and savings examples.
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*Rebate is awarded by HomeSmart Evergreen Realty to buyers who select and use a real estate agent in the Home Rewards network. Rebate is 20% for purchase only of a residential property. Payment is credited to your benefit at the close of transaction. Using Orange County’s Credit Union for a mortgage loan is not a requirement to earn the rebate. All rebates are subject to limitations, lender guidelines, state laws and other requirements. Certain properties may not be eligible for rebates. Please consult a qualified tax professional for advice on tax implications from receiving a rebate. HomeSmart Evergreen Realty is not affiliated with Orange County’s Credit Union.