When it’s time to sell your home, first impressions matter. Especially when it comes to the appraised value of the property. Appraisal determines how much a property is worth and impacts the amount of money you can borrow to buy a home, or how much you can buy a house for.
While an appraisal is dependent on current market rates, you can take steps to provide the appraiser with a good first impression of a well kept home. Here are some steps you need to know before a scheduled appraisal.
- Amp up your curb appeal
The exterior of your home is your first chance to impress the appraiser. Before the appraisal, jazz up your curb appeal. “Homes with high curb appeal tend to sell for an average of 7% more than similar houses with an uninviting exterior,” according to Realtor.com.
Clean up the front yard, do a power-wash, trim the trees, plant flowers, and make sure that the exterior is well kept. Liven up your front door with a fresh coat of paint and add interesting details like a unique door knocker or a patio chair. Placing walkway lights can also boost curb appeal.
- Take care of minor fixes – follow the $500 rule
The condition of your house is relevant to the appraisal. Order your own home inspection beforehand. Assess the results and act accordingly. Aside from fixing a leaky roof, tackle minor repairs and replacements ahead of the appraisal – squeaky doors, burned-out bulbs, broken door handles, loose tiles, and the like. These issues are relatively minor but can indicate that the house is not well-maintained.
Keep in mind that appraisers follow the $500 rule in measuring the value of your home. By spending $500 or less for quick fixes, you’ll gain the increased value you want for your home.
- Make sure that home systems and safety devices are working
Make sure to check that safety devices are working. Replace the batteries in your smoke alarm, carbon monoxide alarm, or home security devices.
Update your plumbing and HVAC systems. You must be able to show the appraiser that the home has no maintenance issues.
- Deep clean and declutter
Deep cleaning is more thorough than standard cleaning. It involves digging out the accumulated dirt in nooks and crannies, washing windows , shampooing the carpets, and vacuuming furniture. One option is to hire cleaning professionals to do the job for you.
Banish clutter and eliminate unwanted items that can distract the appraiser. Improve the odor of the home to evoke a pleasant feeling once an appraiser enters. A clean, clutter-free, and great-smelling home improves your final number.
- Make sure the appraiser is comfortable
Set a comfortable environment like turning on the heating or air conditioning before the appraiser arrives. Light candles in popular, citrusy fragrances to evoke freshness.
- Work with real estate pro in Winthrop, WA
For valuable insights on how to prepare for an appraisal, work with the most trusted Winthrop Realtors in Washington, Coldwell Banker Winthrop. With more than a decade of experience and local knowledge of Methow Valley real estate under our belt, you can rely on our team to secure you a spot in the best listings of Winthrop homes for sale.
Call Coldwell Banker Winthrop at 509.996.2121 or email info(at)cbwinthrop(dotted)com to get started.