Are you gearing up for a home appraisal? Whether selling, refinancing or just wanting to assess your home’s financial standing, understanding the key steps to prepare for an appraisal is crucial. Here are seven essential tasks to ensure your home shines and maximizes its value during the appraisal process.

When Does A Home Appraisal Happen?

Before diving into the steps, let’s quickly go over when and why a home appraisal occurs. When selling your home, the buyer and agent typically coordinate with your realtor, Jennifer Lillie, to schedule the appraiser’s visit. If you’re not selling, your mortgage company will contact the appraiser. While there is a cost associated with a home appraisal, it proves invaluable when determining the home value for various purposes, including selling, refinancing, or removing PMI.

The appraiser, a licensed neutral third party, is well-versed in local real estate trends and objectively assesses your property’s value.

7 Things You Need to Do Before a Home Appraisal

1. Act Like a Potential Buyer:

   – Take an objective look at your home, imagining you’re a potential buyer.

   – Note areas that need improvement and create a list room by room.

   – Consider staging rooms for enhanced visual appeal, especially if selling.

2. Fill in Any Spots with Spackle:

   – Address cosmetic issues by applying spackle to walls with imperfections.

   – Smooth out surfaces and follow up with touch-ups using leftover paint.

3. Touch-Up Paint:

   – Identify areas that need a touch-up with paint to refresh the overall look.

   – Use a wood marker matching your kitchen cabinets to conceal scratches.

4. The Magic Eraser Is Your Friend:

   – Tackle scuff marks and stains with a magic eraser for quick cleanups.

   – Ideal for areas where repainting is not feasible.

5. Tidy Up:

   – Showcase your home’s improvements by keeping it clutter-free.

   – Organize and declutter counters, fold laundry, and tidy common areas.

6. Jot Down Your Home Improvements:

   – List all the projects and improvements undertaken since moving in.

   – Categorize by room and provide this list to the appraiser during the visit.

7. Include any photos of mid-project plans:

   – If you’re amid renovations, share mid-project plans with the appraiser.

   – Provide material lists or mood boards showcasing ongoing improvements.

While an appraisal might seem daunting, taking control of these steps beforehand can significantly impact the outcome. Presenting a clean, well-maintained home and documented improvements will help you feel prepared and ready for the appraisal process. While it may not be the most enjoyable experience, being proactive ensures you’ve done everything possible to maximize your home’s value.

Please don’t hesitate to contact Jennifer Lillie with questions about the home appraisal process or your real estate needs in the South Bend, Mishawaka, or Granger areas at jen@jenlillie.com or 574-286-9667.