How do I prepare my home for an appraisal?
Want a higher appraisal? Do these 10 things before the appraiser arrives.
Quick, Practical Intro
Appraisals decide the price lenders will accept. One missed detail can cost you thousands. This guide gives a clear, step-by-step home appraisal checklist to prepare your home for appraisal, increase appraisal value, and avoid surprises. Follow it and you’ll make the appraiser’s job easy — and boost your outcome.
Before the Appraisal: Why this matters
Appraisers compare your property to nearby comps, verify condition, and check upgrades. Clean, organized homes with documented repairs and upgrades get higher marks. This is about evidence and first impressions.
10-Point Home Appraisal Checklist (What to do before appraisal)
- Clean and declutter every room. A tidy home looks well-maintained and larger. Clear counters, closets, and floors.
- Boost curb appeal. Mow the lawn, trim shrubs, power-wash the porch, and fix obvious outside damage.
- Fix visible defects. Patch holes, repair leaking faucets, replace cracked tiles, touch up paint. Small fixes signal care.
- Gather documentation. Prepare receipts for renovations, permits, appliance warranties, and recent utility bills. Bring a list of upgrades with dates.
- Make systems accessible. Ensure the appraiser can access the furnace, water heater, electrical panel, and crawl spaces. Unlock gates and basement doors.
- Highlight improvements. Leave a one-page improvement summary near the front door: upgrades, permits, and the contractor’s name for key projects.
- Clear photos of exterior and interior. If weather hinders inspection, provide current photos showing condition and completed work.
- Confirm accurate square footage. Have your measurements or survey available. Wrong square footage lowers value fast.
- Stage simply. Neutral decor, correct lighting, and open blinds. Remove personal items and strong odors.
- Be present but quiet. Don’t hover. Answer questions clearly, provide documentation when asked, and let the appraiser work.
What about home inspections vs appraisals?
A home inspection focuses on safety and condition. An appraisal focuses on market value and comparable sales. If you’ve had a recent inspection showing repairs, present it. It proves condition and can prevent deductions.
How to increase appraisal value fast
- Prioritize necessary fixes over cosmetic upgrades.
- Document mid-range upgrades (kitchen, bathroom) with receipts and permits.
- Confirm comparable sales (comps) within the last 6 months to show market value.
Quick Rebuttal Tips if appraisal falls short
- Review the report for factual errors (bedroom count, square footage). 2. Provide missing comps and upgrade documentation. 3. Ask your realtor to request a reconsideration of value with clear evidence.
Conclusion and Call to Action
Preparing your home for an appraisal is simple when you follow a focused checklist. Small actions deliver big results. Want professional help that actually moves the needle? Contact Tony Sousa — local realtor with proven appraisal strategies. Email: tony@sousasells.ca | Phone: 416-477-2620 | https://www.sousasells.ca
Need a personalized appraisal prep plan? Reach out and get a one-page, prioritized checklist for your property.
