How to Get a Higher Appraisal

If you're thinking of putting a piece of real estate on the market, you may be wondering how to come up with a profitable asking price. For many sellers, the first step is to contact an appraiser to find out the true value of the property. A higher appraisal equates to a higher asking price and eventual selling price. There are some things you can do to get a higher appraisal.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Start with a good, deep cleaning. Scrub the dingy spots, dust for cobwebs and remove any clutter. Your deep cleaning should be done inside, outside and around the yard.

2. Touch up paint and repair any parts of the house that are broken or in disrepair

3. Visit your county clerk or county recorders website to find recent selling prices of property in your neighborhood. Have these on hand when your appraiser arrives.

4. Look up the plot plan or a recent survey of your house and land if you can. An appraiser may want to reference it.

5. Dig out maintenance records and system analyses for things such as septic systems, wells and structural reviews. The more informed the appraiser is, the better the appraisal will be.

6. Create a bulleted list of major improvements and upgrades, including installation or application dates and costs.

7. Spend a few minutes and a few dollars planting some colorful flowers. If you have brown thumbs, pick up a few pre-potted flowering plants from the local garden center and place near entryways.

8. Interview appraisers, seeking one with experience appraising real estate in your expected price range and area.

9. Inform your appraiser if a home in your area sold far under or over market value and why. Upgrades like recently replaced wood floors or carpet, heated floors, new wood stove or solar power capabilities may not be part of the closing record but can significantly alter the selling price of a home.

10. Make sure all parts of the house and property are accessible. An appraiser will need to see the inside as well as out, so make sure all entries and exits are easy to get to.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't leave leaky faucets, missing door knobs, broken windows or holey walls for your appraiser to find-fix them first. Differed maintenance will cost you at the closing table. For example, peeling paint might exceed $200, a leaky roof might dip $5,000 or more into your profits and a messy yard could cost $500 or more.
• Don't expect a professional to give you a more favorable appraisal than you deserve.
• Don't offer a bribe of any kind. Not only is it against their professional oath, it is unethical.
• Don't underestimate the power of a high appraisal. A home appraisal is essentially a professional opinion of the property market value.
• Don't be inconsiderate of their time. If you must reschedule, call 48 hours or more in advance. Make sure you have at least 2 hours to dedicate to the appraisal.