By deep cleaning your home, you’ll also have the opportunity to find and fix potential problems that the appraiser may notice. If you want to go all out, consider hiring a cleaning service to tackle bigger cleaning projects such as shampooing your carpets to remove caked-in stains or debris. Deodorize off-putting smells from the fridge, garbage, pets, or dirty laundry, and pay extra attention to areas that may not be a part of your regular cleaning routine, such as the baseboards or inside of cupboards. A clean and tidy home speaks volumes about you as a homeowner and can help the appraiser see every feature in its best light. Set aside time ahead of your appraisal to give your home a thorough deep cleaning. Consider donating any unused or old clothing items to a local thrift store or shelter.Īppraisers are required to follow strict regulations, but much of their job is subjective.

The bedroom: Make sure clothing is off the floor and properly stored away in closets or drawers.

Paring down extra pillows and blankets can also give your space a minimal and streamlined appearance. The living room: Keep surfaces clear of stacks of magazines, books, or newspapers.You can also move seldom-used appliances off the countertops to give your kitchen the appearance of a larger space. The kitchen: Keep the sink clear of dishes and ensure they’re put away the day of your appraisal.

Some key areas that should be decluttered are the bedroom, kitchen, and living room since these areas are the most used in the home. A bright and clean home appears more spacious and can help the appraiser get an accurate feel for the home’s condition. Household items left in the way will detract from the appraiser’s ability to do their job. While appraisers will overlook the “lived-in look” of a home, decluttering can make their job more accessible since the appraiser will take pictures and measurements during the appraisal process. The goal is to convey to the appraiser that your home is as well maintained on the exterior as it is on the interior. From there, you can move on to more extensive curb appeal projects, such as touching up the outside paint to make your home’s exterior features stand out. Before your appraiser arrives, some easy ideas to improve your home’s exterior include laying new mulch, planting fresh flowers, mowing your lawn, raking the leaves, trimming overgrown bushes, and clearing sidewalks and driveways to create a safe and clean appearance. There are many budget-friendly curb appeal ideas to jazz up your home’s exterior appearance and it often takes less than a few hours to complete. 1) Begin with your home’s curb appealĬurb appeal is your chance to make a good first impression on the home appraiser as well as potential buyers, so you’ll want to put your best foot forward.

While there are certain factors outside of your control, here are simple steps you can take to make the appraisal process go smoothly and improve your chances of a higher appraisal value. Home appraisal tips: what to do before an appraisalįirst impressions matter, and going the extra mile to learn what to do before an appraisal gives you the opportunity to do the up-front work to showcase your home at its best.

Home appraisal inspection checklist