How to Get a Better Appraisal on a House
As you contemplate putting your home on the market, you obviously want to obtain the best possible sales price. Accomplishing this objective requires the best possible appraisal of your property. There are some proven strategies that will ensure a higher appraisal on a house. These proactive efforts are not overly expensive and represent a cost effective investment in your property.
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Instructions
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Undertake basic yet perhaps overlooked maintenance on your home. For example, a fresh coat of paint on the exterior is an important step to take. Ensure that the interior wall coverings, such as paneling, paint and wallpaper are in good condition. Additionally, replace worn carpeting or update flooring if necessary.
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Examine the premises to ensure that there are no major structural defects. A structural defect in the premises (a damaged foundation, for example) is a significant black mark in the appraisal process. In most cases you are best served in resolving a structural issue prior to obtaining an appraisal. The cost of correcting the problem likely is less than the decrease in the value of the property if the structural defect is left unattended.
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Tend to the lawn and garden to ensure that the exterior of your home is presentable. Although there is some truth that you cannot judge a book by its cover, in many ways you can judge a home by its exterior. Although not a definitive issue, an attractive lawn and garden presentation does increase the value of your residence in the eyes of an appraiser, because it exhibits attention to home maintenance.
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Stage your property. Residential real estate staging normally is targeted towards potential buyers. However, staging also is helpful in the appraisal process as well. Staging involves presenting the interior and exterior of your home in such a way that it will be most appealing to a person entering the property for the first time. Part of the staging process involves removing items such as photographs and unique collections that are personal to you. You want a prospective buyer or, in this case, an appraiser to be able to see the home's potential.
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Tips & Warnings
Engage the services of a certified appraiser with experience in residential property. A seasoned professional will be able to provide a quality appraisal of your home and some basic tips on increasing the value of your property.
Avoid any hint of impropriety in seeking an appraiser of your residence. Make sure that the appraisal is an "arm's length" transaction. An appraiser with whom you have a personal relationship does you no favors by adding to the value of your residence without a substantial reason for doing so.
