What’s the Best Way to Get the Most Out of Your Appraisal?

January 31, 2019 10:49 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

Getting a professional home appraisal is an important and mandatory step when selling or refinancing a home. The home’s value is determined by a professional real estate appraiser to give potential lenders and buyers a comprehensive view of what the home is worth. A low appraisal could leave you unable to refinance or result in netting less than the home is actually worth during a sale. On the other hand, a high appraisal is a surefire way to get the most out of your investment.

Some factors that could influence the final numbers are beyond your control, such as the value of recently sold homes nearby and the surrounding neighborhood. But there are a few steps you can take to ensure you get the most out of your appraisal. Here are some tips from a real estate appraiser in Napa County, CA:

  • Review past appraisals: First, look at any past appraisals of the property, specifically for any issues that might have lowered the home’s value. Take the necessary steps to address those problems before scheduling an appraisal.
  • List recent improvements: Save the receipts from any money you’ve spent on the home. This could include everything from repainting the front door to completely renovating the kitchen. Additionally, take before-and-after photos of these upgrades. You’ll easily be able to provide the appraiser proof of what you did to improve the home and how much it cost.
  • Amp up the curb appeal: First impressions matter, especially to a potential buyer. Take the time to maintain the landscaping, touch up the exterior paint, wipe down any outdoor light fixtures and sweep up the patio.
  • Tackle minor repairs: Small things matter in an appraisal. Fixing things like a broken window, a leaky faucet or chipped paint can help add to the home’s value.
  • Study comparable homes in the area: Doing your homework could pay off. Compare your home to similar properties nearby that have sold within the last six months or a year to get a better idea of what to expect. By having this knowledge, you’ll be able to identify any unusually low sale prices in the area due to foreclosures or short sales.
  • Clean up: Take the time to tidy up. Tuck clutter away before the appraiser arrives, and give everything a thorough cleaning so the best parts of the home have a chance to shine. Don’t forget to contain pets in a room to make the inspection easier for the real estate appraiser in Napa County, CA.
  • Don’t be pushy: All this information and improvement can help, if it’s presented to the appraiser in a diplomatic way. Take a few minutes to relay the information before they get started, and then try not to bother them while they inspect everything. Don’t hover, because it might give off the impression that you’re trying to hide something.

Are you looking for an appraisal service you can trust? Then contact the experts at County Appraisals Inc. to schedule your estate, winery or vineyard appraisal today.

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