Getting Ready for An Appraisal on Your Home

If you’re looking to sell or refinance your home, you know that a home appraisal is a necessary step in the process.  Even though the value of your home may not be as high as it once was, it is important for homeowners to be realistic when it comes to getting their home appraised.

As a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I know how vital it is to list your home at the right price.  Although the price is only a part of marketing, it is important and having an appraisal done is the first step toward making the pricing decision.

Here are 10 ways to prepare for a home appraisal:

1. The appraiser will need approximately 30 minutes to one hour to complete the inspection phase of the appraisal process, which includes: exterior photos of the front and rear of the home and a photo of the street in front of the property; measurements of the exterior of the home, garage and any outbuildings; a walk-through inspection of all rooms and levels of the interior of the home, including the basement.
2. Get organized. Put together a checklist that will help you get ready for your appraisal.
3. Be flexible when scheduling the appointment.
4.  If possible, have a copy of your home’s floorplan to help verify measurements and lot size.
5. Provide a list of improvements made to the property since the purchase.  Include improvements like adding a deck, updating your kitchen or bathroom, and any room additions, etc.
6.  Allow your appraiser access to the entire property, including access to any crawl space or attic areas.
7. Keep in mind that a clean home makes a good impression. Be sure to trim the lawn, clean our garage, repair cracked windows or torn screens, check for leaky faucets and secure gutters and downspouts before your appraisal.
8. Point out any amenities that may not be obvious to the appraiser:  patios,  security systems,  vacuum, etc.
9. Provide a copy of last year’s tax assessment information.
10. Know what year the house was built and when improvements were made.

Following these steps will go a long way toward making the home appraisal process a bit easier.  For more information on home appraisals and preparing your home for sale, please email us at[email protected]

If you are looking for your real estate in Highlands NC or Cashiers NC, please give any of the brokers at Meadows Mountain Realty a call at 866-526-3558.  Visit our website at www.meadowsmtnrealty.com