Tips on a Good Home Appraisal
Appraisal is an important part of refinancing or selling a home. Homeowners who refinance generally must use the appraiser designated by the lender. When selling a home, the homeowner may select any independent appraiser he wishes to use.
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Preparing the Home
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Make sure the home is clean, with no clutter or trash lying around. To make the rooms look larger, remove unnecessary furniture. Even if you have to rent a storage unit, the opportunity to boost the value of your appraisal is worth it.
The appraiser has only a limited amount of time in your home, so make a good first impression. Do as much repair work as possible before the appraisal. This is especially important for items such as appliances, windows and steps, because the sale might not go through if these things don't work.
Make the Appraiser's Job Easy
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Think about the areas in your home where the appraiser will be working, including the garage, attic, basement or water heater closet. Clean these areas thoroughly and remove any obstructions that could block the appraiser's path.
A home appraisal requires the house to be measured from the outside, so trim any bushes around the walls. Lock up any pets, especially large dogs that may be roaming in the yard.
If you have children, arrange for them to stay with a relative during the appraisal so they are not distracting the appraiser or getting in his way.
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On Appraisal Day
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Be on the property during the appraisal. This gives you a chance to point out improvements to the home. Direct the appraiser's attention to renovations such as a new lawn sprinkler system or a remodeled bathroom. Being present for the appraisal also helps if the appraiser has questions or is confused about how to access part of the home. You don't want to pay additional fees for a second appraisal if she is unsure about something the first time.
If the home appraisal is being done to sell the house, your real estate agent may be willing to attend while the appraiser is there. While the agent cannot do anything to unduly influence the appraiser, her experience may enable her to ask questions the homeowner would not know to ask.
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