subject: How To Prepare For Residential Appraisals [print this page] When you're looking at getting a residential valuation done on your property, you're going to need to complete a few steps before the process is a success. Here is an overview of the steps you should take to prepare for a residential valuation:
About Two Weeks Before A Residential Valuation
To start, you should put a list together of the major repairs and upgrades that the home has had over the last few years. Key upkeeps like new water heaters, new windows, roof repairs, or upgraded HVAC systems are all things to add to the list. The next thing you can do is to add valuable, and relatively easy to install, features to your property. Investing a few hundred dollars in thinks like sparkling bathroom fixtures or storage shelves in the closets, can really add some value to your home. You should also handle all of the small repairs around the house like burnt-out light bulbs, the loose hand railing on the staircase, or the sliding glass door that gets off the tracks and sticks easily. Be sure to check all smoke detectors and replace the batteries.
About One Week Before a Residential Valuation
At this time, it's a great idea to get the inside of the home in its best possible shape for the residential valuation. Even something simple like applying a fresh coat of paint to the interior can really change the way the room looks. If you have carpets, you should consider to have them professionally steam-cleaned, and a good wax before the residential valuation could prove to be a good idea if your home has wood floors. If you're home is on the larger side and has a lot of windows, look into getting window washers in to clean them thoroughly. You should also focus your attentions on the outside of the home as well. It's always a good idea to trim up your landscaping. The appraiser will need to measure the outside of the house, so it is wise to cut back all shrubbery that would inhibit him from doing his job. Other areas of that may need to be cleaned up for the inspectors are the water heater closet and the central heat and air closet. You should make sure these areas are presentable and accessible. You may have to pay for a second inspection if the appraiser can't get into certain areas of the home.
The Day of the Residential Valuation
If you have kids or dogs, you should find a place for them to go while the inspector is present and attempting to conduct the residential valuation. While the inspection is taking place, you should stay in the home. This way, if the appraiser brings up any questions about the property, you can talk to him about it directly instead of having to wait until after-the-fact. Being present during the inspection also gives you a chance to bring up the aforementioned list you conducted of all the home improvements you've made over the last few years.
