subject: How To Prepare For A Home Appraiser [print this page] Preparing for a home appraisal isnt a major project, but a few simple steps can make it easier for both you and the home appraiser. If youre thinking its time to make those major renovations, its a little late if the appraiser is coming anytime soon. In fact, youre better off waiting until after the home appraisal, so they can recommend the best renovations in your home.
Clean Up
No matter what, its a good idea to clean up before a home appraisal. It wont add any value to your home, because appraisers are trained to look past all that. However, it can make it easier to move through the entire home, which the appraiser will have to do, and makes both you and the appraiser more comfortable. Stepping into a messy home makes both the owners and the appraiser uncomfortable. If there isnt enough time to do a head-to-toe cleaning, then at least pick up.
Paperwork
Every home has paperwork in the form of a title, deed, payment history, renovations receipts and insurance forms. Have those all ready for the appraiser. The home appraiser might not need to look at all of them (or any of them) but its better to have those on hand in case theres a question.
Also, whether insuring or selling your home, youre going to have questions. Write down your questions before the appraiser arrives, since you might forget them during the appraisal.
Be Prepared
Your home appraiser is going to need to look at EVERYTHING in your home. They will poke and prod and ask lots of questions, far more than you might be used to. Also, they are going to take pictures. Lots of pictures. Be prepared for this and dont be uncomfortable with the nosiness since being nosy about home repairs is their job. In fact, the nosier they are, the more thorough the report.
Be Honest
Some people believe a few small cosmetic changes and a few white lies might add some value to the home, but forget that. Besides being fraud, every home appraiser is trained to see past those little lies and discover the truth. The likelihood any dishonesty will get you an extra profit on the home is almost nil and isnt worth the worry. Instead, be as straightforward and honest as you can with the appraiser. In return, the appraiser will give you a comprehensive report and give honest recommendations to improve the home.
