Finding an ideal buyer is just the first step in selling your house. Before the deal can be closed, you need to cross the stages of a house inspection and house appraisal. A house appraisal can be considered as a report of the value of your home in the market. It is done by a state-licensed and certified professional.
An appraiser’s primary job is to evaluate your house objectively and state its worth. The value given by the appraiser determines whether your house is priced appropriately. You can be prepared for a house appraisal in the following ways:
1. Get the quick fixes done
You would not want the appraiser to conclude that the property has not been well-maintained. The quick fixes, therefore, must be taken care of as soon as possible. Taking care of the running toilet, repairing faulty cabinets, and making paint touch-ups are some of them.
This would show that you have taken great efforts to improve the condition of your house. Spending a few hundred dollars for getting these quick fixes done would be worth it.
2. Go for a deep cleaning of your house
Your house will appear to be more worthy when it is clean. So, you must grab your scrub brush out or get professional help to clean your house. A deep clean would truly pay off when the appraisal comes around. While cleaning, do not forget the areas that might be neglected, such as corners of ceilings.
Clean the carpets and remove all the lingering odours and stains. You must also focus on the exterior of your house. You must clean the outsides of windows, gutters, and even the floor of your garage.
3. Upgrade your landscaping
In a house appraisal, the landscaping of your home truly matters. The value of your house increases as much as 10 to 12% after upgrading your landscaping. It might not be feasible financially to go for a complete overhaul. However, you can make some small landscaping investments to add to the value of your house. Even taking some efforts like planting small trees and replacing areas of dead grass can do wonders.
4. Consider the ‘comps’
The market value of your house is also determined largely by comps in the area. The term ‘comps’ refers to comparable properties. Your house is often compared to the similar homes in the neighbourhood that have been sold recently. Your real estate agent can give you all the required information on recent closing sale prices in the area.
It would give you an idea of how your house measures up. You can take a closer look at the listings of houses that are similar to your home. Compare the interior and exterior features and their condition in general. You will have some idea about the upgrades that need to be done upon making such comparisons.
5. Highlight the finer features
You would most probably be around when the appraiser comes through. This can be a wonderful opportunity for you to point out the finer features of your house. They include all the unique assets and the latest improvements. Do not feel shy about pointing out the other details, such as a new living room carpet.
Allow the appraiser some space to look around. You must avoid sticking too close to the appraiser. It would give the impression that you are hiding something. Before the appraiser leaves, take some time to point out things that make your house special.