The day the appraiser comes to inspect your home for an appraisal can be stressful. The appraisal determines if the home is worth the amount you want to borrow. Follow these preparation tips to help make appraisal day go smoothly.
1. Declutter and Clean Every Room
Decluttering and deep cleaning your entire home is one of the most important things you can do before the property valuer visit. Appraisers will look in cabinets, closets, pantries, and under sinks. Remove clutter from countertops, coffee tables, dressers, and other surfaces. Vacuum floors, mop hard floors, and steam clean carpets if needed. Make sure every room, including bathrooms and utility rooms, is spotless. A clean, clutter-free home will make the best impression on the appraiser.
2. Stage Your Home Like You’re Selling It
Staging your home for the appraiser is just as important as staging for buyers. Remove personal photos and décor. Rearrange and update furniture to showcase the rooms. Buy new throw pillows and area rugs. Repaint walls in neutral colours if needed. Ensure every room looks its best. Staging makes rooms feel larger and more inviting so the appraiser gets a great impression.
3. Have Repair Documents and Remodel Info Available
The appraiser will look at any recent upgrades, repairs, or remodels. Have documents ready showing the scope and cost of work done. Receipts for new roofs, HVAC systems, kitchen remodels, bathroom upgrades, and any other improvements made over the last few years help the appraiser factor the updates into the home value. Info on repairs for things like foundation issues, plumbing, or electrical are also important.
4. Know the Details of Recent Nearby Home Sales
Research recent selling prices of comparable homes near you. Print a list of addresses, square footage, bedroom/bath counts, lot size, and sales price. Have details on at least 5-10 similar homes that sold in the last 6 months ready for the appraiser. This helps them accurately determine the value of your home compared to others. Focus on comps with similar upgrades and condition as your home.
5. Be Flexible with the Date If Needed
Appraisal dates sometimes need to be moved due to appraiser scheduling issues. Be flexible if the appraiser needs to reschedule. Having a setback with the appraisal date doesn’t mean there are concerns with your home value. Moving the date gives you more time to finish preparations and reduces stress. A few extra days can help ensure you’re 100% ready when the appraiser comes.
Preparing your home thoroughly and having documents ready for the appraiser sets you up for success on appraisal day. Follow these helpful tips for making the best impression when the appraiser visits.
