There are a few reasons why we get our homes appraised, but ultimately we want to know what the current value is of the home and what others would be willing to pay for it. Whether you are preparing to sell, applying for more equity, or just want to know where you stand - there are a few things you can do to avoid disappointment. From finding a commercial electrician to tidying up your landscaping - today we are going to prepare for a home appraisal with this simple checklist, so be sure to leave enough time to make these changes.

Find The Best Appraiser

Who you choose to appraise your home will influence the appraisal you get, albeit not by too much variance. Banks tend to be very conservative in their appraisals whereas real estate agents are a bit more bullish, and then you can always use a private appraisal office. Once again, it depends on what you want for the job and which option makes you most comfortable. You also want to assess how long these appraisal figures last so that you choose a provider who can give you a number that will be the true house value until next time you seek an appraisal.

Foundation And Wiring

Poor foundation and wiring are one of the most obvious things to spot in a home, and it’s going to be the thing that takes most of the value from the home. Foundation flaws can be cosmetic or structural, so work with a builder or a building and pest company to see what needs to be done. Similarly, if your wiring is outdated and faulty, then it can present a safety concern and be a significant expense for the next owners should they inherit these flaws. Don’t let your house down with issues that can be rectified today.

Landscaping

You don’t want to overspend on landscaping because it can only add so much value to your home, so instead aim for a tidy presentation and a nice frontage. Your curbside appeal is going to be what gains the attention of passersby and your appraiser is going to be looking at this too when they arrive for the assessment. If in doubt, less is always more so be sure to have a visible letterbox, consistent grass coverage, tidy driveway and try to make sure your plants and shrubs don’t look too thirsty. If you are going to list your home on the market soon after, then getting this organised now will make the photography process that much more painless.

Optimise All Spaces

The person conducting your house appraisal will have dedicated experience in real estate and equity management, but they can only see what you create and put before them. Look at the spaces in your home with a fresh set of eyes and start to optimise them so they carry greater value in the home. If there is an unoccupied corner or storeroom, why not stage it to be a small office or a playroom? This will show the appraiser and the market that there is more potential than just the bedroom count of your home. 

There are many considerations when it comes to apprising your home, and you want to be setting yourself up for the greatest assessment so you can sell at your goal price or attain more equity to expand your property portfolio. You might also like to speak with your appraisal provider a few times before they come to find out any tips and tricks they recommend.