If you’re already a homeowner, then selling your home is a large part of buying a new one. Of course, you’ll want to get as much money out of your old home as you can, so that means that you’re going to need to receive the highest property valuation possible. Thankfully, there are a number of tips that you can use to make sure that your property appraisal goes well.
If you’re looking for some tips on how to get the best property valuation, keep reading. In this article, we’ll be covering everything you need to do to get the best appraisal for your home.
6 Tips You Need to Know to Get the Highest Property Valuation
The home valuation process takes some preparation. As you get ready to have your home appraised, consider the following tips. They’ll be well worth your time when you put your home on the market.
1. It’s Time for a Spotless Clean
The first thing you need to do for your home appraisal is clean. Now, this seems obvious, however, we’re talking about a deep clean.
Property appraisers are going to have an easier time reviewing your home if everything is spotless. Everything you own should be tidied up and all surfaces should be completely clean, however, that is only one part it.
Property appraisers are going to look at every part of your house. This includes the areas that are seldom seen, even by you. Take notice of the tops of high shelves, small crevices in your bathroom that may typically be neglected, and utility closets that rarely see the light of day. Make sure that all of these areas are completely cleaned and cleared, as well.
The reason behind this is the perception that a clean house provides. When an appraiser views your house, it’s on behalf of prospective buyers. This is the condition that they believe the buyer will receive the house in, which makes it more valuable since less work will need to be done after the purchase.
2. Make Repairs Prior to the Appraisal
New homeowners aren’t going to want to make repairs when everything is said and done. If a home appraiser sees that repairs are necessary, then it’s going to lower the value of your home. As such, it’s important to have the majority of small repairs done prior to the appraisal.
Now, not all repairs can be completed, which is understandable. This is why it’s important to carry out reasonable repairs. These are the repairs that won’t cost you an arm and a leg to have done or the ones that can be done quickly. Examples of these repairs include:
- Painting any surfaces that are bleached or chipped
- Replacing broken hinges on cabinets
- Patching any holes in drywall and repainting
All of these are simple fixes, and can normally be done in an afternoon. They’ll significantly increase the value of your home and cost you next to nothing.
3. Improve Curb Appeal
When it comes to your home’s value, curb appeal is a significant factor. Your home’s curb appeal describes the home’s exterior appearance, or what you can see from the curb. Looks aren’t everything, but first impressions are, so your home’s curb appeal needs to be great.
There are a number of things to take into consideration when you’re thinking about your curb appeal. Anything that looks disorderly or damaged on the outside of your home should be considered. This includes the house itself, as well as the landscaping, the driveway, and the sidewalks.
If you’re concerned about your curb appeal, look at your home from the buyer’s perspective. Things should be neat and well maintained. Take care of your paint, your garden, and especially your roof. When these things go without care, it gives a bad impression of the rest of the home, even if everything is technically sound.
4. Be Courteous
Acting with kindness goes a long way. A home appraiser is entering your home to provide a service, and they should be treated as such. Generally, it’s best to let them do their job as undisturbed as possible. Offering them hospitality never hurts, though.
A big faux pas to avoid is asking the home appraiser how much your home is worth before they’ve even left the property. Home appraisals take a lot of time to put together. The last thing an appraiser wants is to be asked what a home’s value is before they’ve had time to crunch the numbers.
It’s important to be patient. In most cases, a home appraisal will come back to you within a week.
5. Be Honest
When you’re preparing for a home valuation, don’t try to hide anything. Most home appraisers are going to see through the facades you put up, which may negatively impact your home’s value. Do the best you can to clean and repair, and leave the things you can’t. Hiding them may cause more harm than good.
6. Double-Check Everything
The last tip is to double-check everything before your home appraisal. This means making sure the appliances are in working order, replacing any bulbs that may be out, and checking switch connections.
In addition to the appliances and electrical systems, check your plumbing fixtures as well. Toilets should flush without running afterward, and pipes shouldn’t be leaky. All of these things need to be in good condition for the next owners.
If you enjoyed this article, check out:
Tips for Showing your Home Last Minute
8 Home Improvements that Could Help you Get Top Dollar
Guest blog provided by: https://goratecloud.com.
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Great piece of article to share. I’m sure that this will help readers especially those who are new to the real estate business. Would love to read another. Thanks for the share.