Whether you’re selling a home or refinancing, buyers and the bank need to see your home appraisal value.
Home appraisals are crucial when it comes to getting the most out of your property investments. An appraiser looks at criteria like the size of your home, its location, the interior and exterior condition, high-quality features, and updates.
Did you know there are some simple things you can do to increase the value of your home? Read on to learn what updates are worth your time and why.
Draw Attention to Improvements
If you’ve invested heavily in major home renovations over the years, don’t hesitate to mention these to the appraiser.
Things such as a new roof, solar panels, a bathroom and kitchen refit, or garden irrigation systems all add value. Always keep the receipts and warranty information to add to the appraisal package.
In saying that, it’s usually unwise to spend a lot of money on a serious remodel before selling your home. Seeing a return on your investment can be hit or miss with many upgrades.
Engage the Appraiser
As soon as the appraiser walks in the door, be prepared to not only answer their questions but offer important information.
For example, they may not be knowledgeable about your area, so you should have data on local house values (FSBO or agency sale) on hand to share with them. Learn what buyers want that you have in your home and point those out to the appraiser.
When selecting an appraiser, do a bit of digging on their credentials, too. Are they MAI or SRA certified? How long have they been in the business?
If you get an estimate that feels like it’s on the low end, you can compare their work against their competence to help you decide if it’s accurate or not.
Tidy Your Yard
Curb appeal matters in appraisals because appraisers assess your home before they even step in the door–even if you want to sell your home as is.
There’s no need to invest in professional landscaping, but you can add value with some simple yard work.
This could include:
- Tidying up garden borders
- Laying down some bark or mulch
- Trimming dead or overgrown trees and bushes
- Scrubbing the driveway and any pathways
- Adding a number to your letterbox
- Mowing the lawn
These are all low-expense fixes that should only take you a weekend or two to complete.
Stage Your Home
Home staging refers to the process of cleaning and decorating a home to make it more appealing to buyers. If done right, it’s a simple, cost-effective way to bump up that appraisal value.
Clear the clutter, paint or paper the walls, refinish your floors. Focus on zhuzhing up the master bedroom, bathrooms, and kitchen, as these are the rooms buyers care about most.
Enhancing Your Home Appraisal Value Is Easy
If you’re getting your home appraisal value assessed, you’re close to selling your home. If you’re still unsure if your efforts will add the value you hope, consult with a local real estate professional. They’ll already know what appraisers in your area like to see and offer advice on how to groom your home to perfection.
If you’re looking for more tips and tricks on selling your home fast, browse the other articles on our website.
