subject: Tips for Preparing for Residential Valuation [print this page] Tips for Preparing for Residential Valuation
If you're thinking of selling or refinancing your home, then you'll probably need residential valuation. When you're getting a home appraisal, you want to make sure that your home is looking its very best, inside and out, so you can guarantee yourself of the best possible home appraisal result. When it comes to home appraisal, first impressions are lasting impressions. Here are some tips for preparing for a visit by a house appraiser:1. Declutter - Your home may be in excellent condition, but clutter, clothes and mess strewn all over the floor will do little to convey a positive appearance. So pick up all the mess and find a home for books, appliances and other items that may not already have a home. If you have an excessive amount of chairs, tables or other furniture inside your home, consider taking it to your neighbor's or a friend's house for the house appraiser's visit. Uncluttered rooms will do wonders to make your home look more clean and spacious, and will allow the appraiser to do a thorough inspection.2. Give your home a face lift - During a home appraisal, the appraiser will note down the condition of windows, flooring, walls, carpeting and other such features of every room of the house. If the walls are looking a bit dirty, it can sometimes pay off to give them a fresh coat of paint before the appraiser's visit. Likewise, if there's a hole in or a red wine stain on some of the carpeting, stamp it out so that your flooring scores higher marks.3. Repair anything that's broken - Having broken windows, steps or railings in your home is a big no-no when it comes to home appraisal - not only because it doesn't work, but because it is a safety hazard. Attend to any crucial home repairs before the appraiser's visit, and also test that all major household systems and appliances are in working order, such as airconditioning, heating, and plumbing systems.4. Don't forget the outside - Remember, a residential valuation is not just about the house itself, it's about the whole property. So, don't neglect your front and back porches, back yard and trees in the process of preparing for the valuation. Ensure there's no water damage or structural problems outside, and check the condition of your garage, decks, roofing, landscaping and exterior design. Mow the lawns, and trim any overgrown trees or branches, especially if they're hanging over a path. The last thing you want is to make it inconvenient for your house appraiser to move around the property.While the house appraiser is at your home, don't follow him or her around everywhere, as that could get annoying, but make sure you're readily available in case the appraiser has any questions. You don't need to point out every flaw in the property, but if the house appraiser asks you about something, be honest.
