In 2021, the US real estate market was worth a staggering $43.4 trillion, with an upward trajectory. This bustling market is rife with buyers and sellers eager to transact.
If you’re in the process of buying or selling a home, then you’ll likely have to go through a home appraisal. This is a process where a professional appraiser determines the value of your home. That way, homebuyers can get their money’s worth and sellers can determine their selling prices.
Are you looking to buy or sell your home? If so, it’s important to know how to prepare for a home appraisal. That way, you can ensure a seamless home appraisal and eventually buy or sell your home for the right price.
Read on as we show you the right way to prepare for a home appraisal.
What Is a Home Appraisal?
A home appraisal is a process in which a professional appraiser evaluates the worth of a home. The appraiser looks at various factors, such as the home’s location, size, condition, and recent sales of similar homes in the area. The appraisal process culminates in a report that states the appraised value of the home.
This report is used by lenders to determine how much money to lend to buyers, and by sellers to set a fair asking price for their homes. Homebuyers and sellers can also request their own home appraisals to get an estimate of the home’s value.
How to Prepare for a Home Appraisal
Adequate preparation of a home appraisal ensures a seamless process for both the buyer’s and seller’s benefit. Here are a few tips for preparing for a home appraisal.
Do Some Touch-ups
A home appraisal presents the perfect opportunity to do some much-needed touch-ups around your home. This can be anything from fixing a leaky faucet to painting the walls. Small repairs like these can go a long way in boosting your home’s value.
It’s also important to declutter, depersonalize, and stage your home before the appraiser arrives. This means getting rid of any personal items, such as family photos and heirlooms. You should also tidy up the home and put away any clutter.
By doing this, you’re essentially giving the appraiser a blank canvas to work with. As a result, they can focus on your home’s best features and not be distracted by personal items.
Ensure All Safety Fixtures Work
It’s also important to make sure that all safety fixtures in your home are up and running. This includes smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. Not only is this a legal requirement in some states, but it’s also a major selling point for buyers.
A home with functioning safety features will appeal more to buyers than one without them. So if you’re looking to boost your home’s value, then make sure all safety fixtures are in working order. And if your house doesn’t have the said safety features, arrange for their installation.
Deep Clean the Entire House
Ensure you give your home a thorough cleaning before the appraisal. This means cleaning all the nooks and crannies that you usually wouldn’t think to clean. Dust off ceiling fans, wash windows, and scrub baseboards.
The goal is to make your home as presentable as possible. By doing this, you’re not just increasing your home’s curb appeal but also its value. It might be a good idea to hire professional house cleaners for the best results.
Spruce Up Your Yard
Your home’s value doesn’t just depend on the condition of the house itself but also on the state of your yard. So take some time to trim hedges, mow the lawn, and plant flowers.
You should also get rid of any garden gnomes, birdbaths, and other such items. These may be personal preferences, but they can be a turn-off for potential buyers. So it’s best to get rid of them before the appraisal.
Research the Value of Other Homes in Your Neighborhood
If you want to get an estimate of your home’s value, then research the prices of other homes in your neighborhood. This will give you a good idea of how much your home is worth.
It’s also a good idea to find out about recent sales of similar homes in your area. This information will be useful during the negotiation process with buyers. By doing your research, you can also ensure that you get the best possible price for your home.
Talk to You Real Estate Agent
Working with a real estate agent will give you valuable insight into the home appraisal process. Real estate agents can also provide you with a rough estimate of your home’s value. So if you’re preparing for a home appraisal, be sure to talk to your real estate agent to guide you through the process.
Consider Improving Your Landscape
If you’re keen on increasing your home’s value, you should consider improving your landscape. This can be anything from planting trees to installing a new fence. By making these improvements, you’re not just increasing the curb appeal of your home but also its value.
Make Necessary Repairs
It’s also important to make any necessary repairs before the home appraisal. This includes fixing any leaks, cracks, or holes in the walls. You should also repair any damaged flooring or tiles.
By making these repairs, you’re not just increasing your home’s value but also making it more presentable to potential buyers. Plus, these repairs aren’t enough to break the bank, but they’ll definitely be worth it.
If you’re struggling to find a buyer for your home, you can always sell it to a We Buy Houses company. Go to urbchicago.com, for instance, and they’ll be more than happy to buy your home for instant cash.
Preparing for Your Home Appraisal Simplified
Now that you know how to prepare for a home appraisal, our work here is done. It’s now up to you to take the right steps to ensure your home appraisal is a success. Remember, it’s always a good idea to consult your real estate agent before the exercise to ensure a seamless process.
Also, if you don’t have the time or resources to prepare for an appraisal, try selling your home to a “We Buy Houses” company. With them, you can sell your house as-is and get instant cash for it.
Don’t forget to check out the other posts on our site for more informative reads.