3 Things Appraisers Look for During an Appraisal

While you may be worried about cleaning house, it is important to know that when a home appraiser visits your home, they are looking for three things: location, quality, and condition of construction. Ultimately, the results of the home appraisals are not based on whether your garden is a mess but rather a set of external, internal, and home improvements of the house.

1. External Factors- An appraiser that is certified and qualified, in most states, adhere to the Appraisal’s Foundation “Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice”. What this means is that the appraisal is most concerned with the legal definitions of the property such as lot size, zoning, and neighborhood characteristics.
2. Interior Factors- When it comes to the interior of the home, the goal of the appraiser is to determine the structure, condition, and size of the interior. For example, an appraiser might consider the foundation type or how updated are the bathrooms/kitchen areas. Some FHA or VA loans will require the appraiser to notice specific safety details such as handrails.
3. Home improvement- Once the home appraiser has examined the interior and exterior of the home, they will look at the heating and cooling system as well as any major improvements. For example, a pool might add value to the home however the depreciation costs of maintenance will make it unlikely you will recoup your initial investment.

When you know what a qualified home appraiser looks for when they visit your home, it makes it easier to be prepared for the process. A home appraiser takes in the external factors based on strict professional guidelines, the interior factors of wear and tear, as well as the cost of your home improvements and additions. If you have any questions about the home appraisal process, contact Ray Hall, we are glad to help today!