What Does a Real Estate Appraiser in Napa County, CA Look For?

August 19, 2016 10:57 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

Having your home appraised, whether it’s before a purchase or a sale, can be a nerve-wracking situation, especially if it’s a new experience for you. However, many people are able to experience a little more peace of mind by knowing exactly what the appraiser will be looking for. This knowledge can help you prepare your home for a better result in the appraisal—namely, a boost in the value of your property. This is especially important if you are planning on selling your home any time soon.

Here are a few of the main factors a real estate appraiser in Napa County, CA will look for:

  • Structure: The very first thing an appraiser will look at is the structure of any buildings on the property. He or she will take a close look at the foundation, siding, brick and roofing to determine what types of material are used, the quality of that material and the condition of the structure in general. The appraiser will also look for visual evidence of leaks, damage or defects on your property’s exterior.
  • Interior: Once inside your property, the appraiser will conduct a thorough inspection of the quality of the walls, inside roof, flooring, windows, doors and other essential elements. Other items that will be inspected include any permanent lighting and plumbing fixtures, appliances, cabinets, and more. The appraiser will note damage and defects and determine their extent.
  • Amenities: Certain amenities you install in your home can increase its value. Common examples include central air conditioning, baseboard heating, a detached garage, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, fireplace, security system, solar panels, outdoor amenities and more. These are the types of amenities that “sweeten the pot” when a person is looking at homes to purchase.
  • Upgrades: Appraisers want to see you have not just maintained a property while you’ve owned it, but also actually put forth the effort to make it better through a variety of upgrades. If you have performed any remodeling, this could have a positive influence on the value of your home. This includes upgrades as small as appliances, vanities and fixtures, as well as complete overhauls of rooms like bathrooms, kitchens, finished basements and more. Provide your appraiser with a complete list of all the upgrades you made and the condition of those amenities and rooms before they were upgraded to give your appraiser a frame of reference.
  • Outdoor property: The amount and quality of land you have is also important in determining the value of your property. The larger the plot, the more valuable your land is likely to be. The quality of landscaping you have performed can also help not just with curb appeal and desirability, but also with overall quality—for example, certain landscaping elements can be a major help with drainage on flood plains.

For more information about what a real estate appraiser in Napa County, CA looks for while on the job, contact the trusted appraisal specialists at County Appraisals Inc. today.

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