3 Things to Expect During a Home Appraisal

As a seller, you might be anxious about the process of home appraisal and what to expect when a home appraiser comes to evaluate your home. While traditionally a home appraisal is ordered for the potential buyer to make sure that the price valuation is right on the property, the seller needs to have the right expectation and prepare the home.  

1. Total Access – A qualified appraiser will leave no corner unturned in the home. You should clear and clean hard-to-reach areas such as garages, attics, and basement. Keep these areas as tidy and unfettered as possible for the home appraiser to have full access.
2. Be Prepared for Photos – The home appraiser is going to take interior and exterior photos of the home so the lender can see what kind of condition your home is in. You should make minor repairs, paint jobs, and improve the curb appeal so the lender doesn’t think the home has any maintenance issues.
3. Checking Documents – While the seller is preparing for the home appraiser’s visit, the appraiser does a lot of behind the scenes work with gathering data on the property from MLS, county court records, and private data vendors. This is done to make sure the most accurate comparable information is available for the property in the neighborhood.

A home appraisal can be an exciting experience because it means you are on the way to selling your home. When knowing the few things to expect during a home appraisal, such as full access, photos, and documents checks on properties, you can be confident in a successful home appraisal. If you have any questions about the home appraisal process, contact Ray Hall today.