As promised my friends….The ultimate guide to prepare for an appraiser. We decided to go conventional after months of debating it and going back and forth. We decided we no longer wanted to pay $200 a month to an FHA PMI Insurance and took the leap!
After completing a ton of “google” research and reaching out to everyone I knew who had been through the appraisal process before, I received so many different things of feed back in which none added up… I heard everything from make sure your windows are spotless to that you need new linen on all of your beds. (None of this is accurate.)
First and foremost….COMPS. What the comparable pricing is where you live is one of the most crucial points of an appraisal. I also learned the house does not need to look anything like yours. They go off of square footish, how many beds, how many baths, etc. when doing their compariables.
Second. PROJECTS…If there not finished. Finished them. My husband and I did a whirlwind home remodel in 8 days! Whew…My hands are still sore. The one thing I have learned through this experience is there is nothing…and I mean nothing. A fresh coat of white paint can’t fix. (Quickly)
Floors. Are huge and add value to your home, make sure they are cleaned and ready for inspection upon your appraisers arrival. You want the overall condition of your home to be “Sellable” and well cared for. This needs to be clearly apparant to your seller.
This one through me off and I only did it by pure chance of rushing before our appraisal arrived and forgetting to turn the lights off. THEY WANT THE LIGHTS ON IN EVERY ROOM. They cant take clear pictures of your home unless this is done. The appraiser not only thanked us for having the lights on, but also noted it in our appraisal.
When our appraisal came in I paid attention to key notes and things they look for. Also I asked him EXACTLY what they look for while he was here. My response received was “The overall well being and condition of home, that its liveable and taken care of. Any upgrades, remodels all add value.”
- Lights on in every room of your home.
- Any unfinished projects are finished.
- No wood showing through on baseboards.
- Fresh Paint.
- Curb Appeal.
- Comps.
- Clean & Inviting.
- All alarms, fire, etc. are working and hooked up correctly.
Hope this helps a person or two!