If you want to sell your home or refinance your mortgage, you’ll need to get a home appraisal. A home appraisal is an unbiased estimate of your home’s value, and it’s used by lenders, real estate agents, and buyers to determine the fair market value of your property. However, not all home appraisals are created equal. To get the most accurate home appraisal possible, you’ll need to follow these 10 tips.
- Choose a reputable home appraisal website.
When looking for a home appraisal website, it’s important to choose a reputable company that has experience in the industry. One such website that you can trust is Houston Home Appraisal. With over 20 years of experience in the field, they have the knowledge and expertise to provide you with an accurate home appraisal.
- Provide detailed information about your property.
When filling out the online form for your home appraisal, make sure to provide as much detailed information as possible about your property. This includes the size of the property, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, the age of the home, and any recent renovations or upgrades you’ve made.
- Prepare your home for the appraisal.
Make sure your home is clean and tidy before the appraiser arrives. Clear any clutter and make sure all rooms are accessible. Also, make sure to inform the appraiser of any special features or upgrades that might not be immediately apparent, such as a new roof or HVAC system.
- Provide comparables.
When filling out the online form, provide any comparables (similar homes in your area that have recently sold) that you can find. This will give the appraiser a better understanding of the local real estate market and help them determine a more accurate value for your home.
- Highlight any upgrades.
If you’ve made any upgrades to your home, make sure to highlight them during the appraisal. This includes things like new appliances, a new roof, or updated plumbing. Upgrades can add value to your home, so it’s important to ensure the appraiser is aware of them.
- Be honest about any issues.
While you may be tempted to hide any issues with your home, it’s important, to be honest with the appraiser. This includes things like a leaky roof, a cracked foundation, or outdated electrical systems. By being upfront about any issues, you’ll ensure that the appraiser is able to give you an accurate appraisal.
- Provide access to all areas of the home.
Make sure to provide access to all areas of the home during the appraisal, including the attic and basement. This will give the appraiser a better understanding of the size and condition of your home.
- Don’t follow the appraiser around.
While it’s important to be available for any questions the appraiser may have, it’s best not to follow them around during the appraisal. Give the appraiser space to do their job and provide any information they may need.
- Consider the timing.
Timing can play a big role in the accuracy of your home appraisal. For example, if you’re looking to refinance your mortgage, it may be better to wait until after you’ve made any necessary repairs or upgrades before getting an appraisal.
- Choose a local appraiser.
When possible, choose a local appraiser who is familiar with your area. This will give them a better understanding of the local real estate market and help them provide a more accurate appraisal.
By following these 10 tips, you’ll be well on your way to getting the most accurate home appraisal possible. And if you’re in Houston, Texas, be sure to choose Houston House Appraisal for all your home appraisal needs.