How to Get the Highest Appraisal on Your Home

A home's appraised value determines the size of a buyer's mortgage and the sale price you'll receive. Follow these tips to maximize your appraisal.

Price it Right

Set a list price in line with comps in your neighborhood. Don't overprice based on improvements or emotional attachment.

● Review recently sold homes of similar size and condition. Adjust your list price to align.

● Cite competitive comps when explaining your pricing to the appraiser. Point out any superior upgrades your home has.

● Understand the market. Is pricing trending up or down based on supply and demand?

 

Prep Like You're Showing It

Appraisers look at condition, upgrades, and desirability factors like buyers.

● Make all repairs before listing, especially deferred maintenance issues and anything visually unappealing.

● Declutter excess furniture so rooms appear more prominent. Store personal items.

● Clean thoroughly inside and out. Make the home shine to emphasize pride of ownership.

● Tend the lawn and plantings. Good curb appeal matters.

Provide a List of Upgrades

Create a sheet highlighting upgrades, renovations, and home additions completed over the years.

List enhancements like:

● Granite counters, hardwood flooring, and other luxury finishes

● Newer roof, furnace, appliances, windows

● Remodels of kitchens, bathrooms, basement

● Garage expansions, deck additions

● Irrigation systems, security systems

Add Curb Appeal

Improving exterior aesthetics adds value in the appraiser's eyes:

● Plant colorful flowers, mulch garden beds, trim bushes. Maintain the yard meticulously.

● Paint or replace the front door. Power wash siding.

● Clean out gutters and downspouts so they work correctly and look orderly.

● Make sure exterior lighting highlights architecture and landscaping.

● Repair cracked or uneven walkways, front steps, patios.

Stage it Like a Model

Interior staging makes spaces appear larger and more welcoming.

● Rearrange and remove excess furniture to open up rooms.

● Repaint walls with neutral colors. Make repairs. Clean thoroughly.

● Organize closets and storage areas to look spacious.

● Feature bedding, stylish decor, and scented candles in principal rooms.

Hire an Appraiser

Getting your appraisal and the buyer's may strengthen your position if the initial valuation seems low.

● Ask an appraiser to assess with only a few days' notice so they view it in show-ready condition.

● Share data on recent neighborhood sales and specifics about upgrades.

● Use their higher valuation to dispute a low appraisal. Or give your full appraisal report to the buyer's appraiser for reconsideration.

 

Don't Make Last Minute Changes

The property should be in the same condition at appraisal as when buyers agreed to purchase terms and pricing.

● Don't replace older systems like the roof just before the appraisal. You won't get the total value for new items installed after inspection.

● Leave staging and decor consistent to support the agreed-upon price.

● If significant changes are needed, disclose them to buyers and restart purchase negotiations if they want to adjust the offer.

Conclusion

You can maximize your appraisal valuation with proper pricing, preparation, upgrades, and data sharing. Price is realistically based on comps while highlighting distinctive features. Make repairs and stage it like a model home. Share documentation on improvements and recent neighborhood sales. Strategically influence value while keeping the property consistent through closing.