Home Appraisals
Author: Adnin // Category: Real estate Tips
There are a number of reasons to get an appraisal but for most people it’s to prepare to put their house on the market, or as a step toward applying for a refinance or home equity loan. With banking policies more stringent than ever, the appraised value of a house becomes all the more important, whether you purchased a fairly new home in Houston or a fixer-upper in Los Angeles. To ensure you get the best figure possible, experts say homeowners should follow a few simple rules.
Just as most people don’t want company to see cluttered corners or holes in the wall, you want to present your house in its best light for the appraiser. The point of the inspection is to ascertain the condition of the house, and its upkeep is an important aspect of that. This is the case even if you, for example, if your home lies in a growing community and you know who the home builder is. So make sure the house is tidy. There’s no need to spend a fortune having a cleaning crew come in for a top to bottom deep cleaning but presenting a neat and clean home makes a good first impression.
A red flag to any appraiser is vermin or signs of vermin, which includes rodents, cockroaches, ants, or evidence of termites. Lack of general upkeep—peeling wallpaper or paint, missing bathroom tiles, damaged window frames, broken porch steps—is also a negative mark so make sure the grass is mowed and that weeds or hedges aren’t running rampant. Spend the money to have carpets steam cleaned, and while it’s not necessary to paint, it is beneficial to wipe down the walls to remove obvious smudge marks. Patch any wall holes, fix any leaking faucets, and if the caulking around your tub or sinks is cracked, spend the time to apply a fresh layer of caulk.
More so than in times past, image is everything, especially with so many neighborhoods—even in the best of areas—having a number of foreclosed properties, which can affect local value. Some appraisers suggest keeping a list of recent improvements or upgrades. Also, don’t be afraid to showcase elements of your house or property you feel add to its value such as new attic insulation, energy efficient “smart” appliances, or a new roof.
Lastly, don’t invade the appraiser’s personal space let them do their job with out looking over their shoulder. It will make the process go more quickly and prevent unnecessarily annoying the appraiser.
