How to Get a High Home Appraisal

A well-maintained home appraises high.

An appraisal is an official statement of the value of the home. Getting a high appraisal may mean a higher selling price and a better chance of getting approved for a refinance. Appraisals are based on several factors, including the condition of the home. Pat Curry wrote in an article published by Houselogic, "The way your house looks from the street can impact its value." You can increase your home's value by keeping it well-maintained. A well-maintained home has a higher appraisal value.

Things You'll Need

• Garden plants
• Solar lighting
• Ladder
• Hammer
• Drill
• Roof shingles
• Paint
• Paintbrush
• Cleaning service (optional)

Instructions

Get a High Home Appraisal

1. Prepare the outside of your home. Power wash the house to remove dirt, debris, cobwebs and insect nests. If the home has a painted exterior, repaint the home in a color that fits in with the rest of the neighborhood. Add attractive house numbers, and replace the mailbox with a new one.

2. 

   Well-kept gardens add to the appraisal value of a home.

   Remove all dead plants and weeds. Mow the lawn with an attached grass collection bag, or rake up all clippings. Edge the lawn. Plant colorful flowers and attractive plants. Trim bushes, trees and shrubs. Place fresh mulch in all of the garden areas. Water the mulch shortly before the appraiser arrives. Wet mulch looks better than dry mulch.

3. Add solar lighting along paths and walkways. This improves safety and the overall appearance of the home. Solar lighting is inexpensive and can be placed anywhere.

4. Use a ladder to access the roof and gutters. Remove all debris from the roof. Check the shingles and replace any that are damaged or missing. Clean the gutters if necessary. Make repairs to gutters that are leaking or sagging. Replace any damaged downspouts or gutter parts.

5. Repair or replace any worn decking and railings. Tighten any loose deck flooring. Check walkways and make repairs if any stones, bricks or concrete are damaged. Stone paths and walkways should have secure footing. Fix any areas with loose stones. Remove weeds from paths and walkways.

6. Remove all clutter from the home. The appraiser will take pictures of the inside and outside of the home. A clutter-free home appraises well. Make sure nothing will fall out of closets and storage areas if they are opened. Doorways and stairs should be free of all clutter and easily accessible.

7. Replace all filters for the central heating and cooling system. Clean the fireplace or wood-burning stove if you have one.

8. Clean your home from top to bottom, or pay a service to do this for you. Clean homes have the highest appraisal values. Spending money for a professional cleaning service can add thousands to your appraisal value.

9. Fix all loose carpet edges and seams. Replace all damaged moldings and trim. Secure area rugs with carpet tape or nonskid pads. Clean all tile grout and remove any mold from tubs and showers.

10. Remove dogs and cats. Send them to the groomers for the day or to a pet daycare service. If you have cats, get rid of the litter boxes. Appraisers require access to all areas of the home, and pets can interfere with the appraiser's ability to examine the house.

References

• Houselogic: 8 Tips for Adding Curb Appeal and Value to Your Home