How to Prepare Your Home For The Real Estate Appraiser
For homeowners, a real estate appraisal is the linchpin to buying or selling their home. It allows the property transactions to occur among the buyer, seller, real estate agent and mortgage lender.
Before an Appraiser arrives, there are a few things you should know. By law, an appraiser must be state licensed to perform appraisals prepared for federally related transactions. Also by law, you are entitled to receive a copy of the completed appraisal report from your lender.
To facilitate the appraisal process, it's beneficial to have these documents ready for the appraiser:
• A plot plan or survey of the house and land (if readily available)
• Information on the latest purchase of the property in the last three years
• Written property agreements, such as a maintenance agreement for a shared driveway
• List of personal property to be sold with the home
• Title policy that describes encroachments or easements
• Most recent real estate tax bill and or legal description of the property
• Home inspection reports, or other recent reports for termites, EIFS (synthetic stucco) wall systems, septic systems and wells
• Brag sheet that lists major home improvements and upgrades, the date of their installation and their cost (for example, the addition of central air conditioning or roof repairs) and permit confirmation (if available)
• A copy of the current listing agreement and broker's data sheet and Purchase Agreement if a sale is "pending".
• Information on "Homeowners Associations" or condominium covenants and fees.
• A list of "Proposed" improvements if the property is to be appraised "As Complete".
Once your appraiser has arrived, you do not need to accompany him or her along on the entire site inspection, but you should be available to answer questions about your property and be willing to point out any home improvements.
Here are some other suggestions:
• Accessibility: Make sure that all areas of the home are accessible, especially to the attic and crawl space. For FHA appraisals, the Appraiser must access the attic so having a ladder already set up would be very helpful.
• Housekeeping: Appraisers see hundreds of homes a year and will look past most clutter, but they're human beings too! A good impression can translate into a higher home value
• Maintenance: Repair minor things like leaky faucets, missing door handles and trim
• FHA/VA Inspection Items: If your borrower is applying for an FHA/VA loan, be sure to ask your appraiser if there are specific things that should be done before they come. Some items they may recommend might be: Install smoke detectors on all levels (especially near bedrooms); install handrails on all stairways; remove peeling paint and repaint the effected area; provide inspection access to the attic and crawl spaces.
5 Ways to Prepare Your Home
More Appraisal & Preparation Info
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5 Steps to Selling Your Home Quickly and Profitably
Selling your home can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re looking to sell quickly due to a job relocation or you want to maximize your profits, following a clear plan can make all the difference. From setting the right price to effective marketing, this blog outlines five essential steps to ensure your home sells quickly and at the best possible price. Let’s dive in!
1. Set the Right Price
The first and most important step in selling your home quickly is pricing it correctly. Overpricing your property can scare away potential buyers, while underpricing can leave money on the table. Research your local market to understand the value of similar homes in your area. Your real estate agent can also provide a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to help you determine a competitive and realistic asking price.
Bullet Points to Remember:
Consider current market trends and conditions.
Avoid emotional attachment when determining the price.
Adjust your price if your property sits unsold for an extended period.
2. Stage Your Home for Success
First impressions matter when selling a home. Staging helps showcase your property in its best light, making it appealing to a wide range of buyers. Clean and declutter each room, add fresh flowers, and rearrange furniture to make the space look larger and more inviting. Highlight key features like natural light, open layouts, or updated finishes. If necessary, consider hiring a professional stager to enhance your home’s appeal.
Bullet Points for Effective Staging:
Keep decor neutral to appeal to a broad audience.
Deep clean every area, including carpets and windows.
Remove personal items like family photos to let buyers visualize themselves in the space.
3. Invest in Professional Photography
With most buyers starting their search online, high-quality photos are essential for attracting attention. Professional photographers know how to capture your home’s best angles and lighting, making it stand out in listings. Including a virtual tour or video walkthrough can further boost interest, as buyers can explore your property from the comfort of their homes.
Bullet Points for Great Photos:
Take photos during the day to maximize natural light.
Highlight key features like updated kitchens, spacious rooms, and outdoor areas.
Ensure the home is clean and staged before the photoshoot.
4. Market Your Property Effectively
An effective marketing strategy ensures your home reaches the right buyers quickly. Work with your real estate agent to create an attractive online listing that includes high-quality photos, a detailed description, and key selling points. In addition to listing on popular platforms, leverage social media, email campaigns, and open houses to maximize exposure.
Bullet Points for Marketing:
Use targeted ads to reach buyers in specific demographics.
Highlight unique features like a newly renovated kitchen or spacious backyard.
Create a buzz with social media posts and video tours.
5. Be Open to Negotiation
Flexibility during negotiations can help you close the deal faster and on favorable terms. Buyers may ask for repairs, concessions, or price adjustments after inspections. Consider these requests carefully and remain willing to compromise where necessary. Your real estate agent can help you navigate the negotiation process to secure the best possible deal without turning buyers away.
Bullet Points for Successful Negotiation:
Be prepared to counter offers professionally.
Focus on the overall deal, not just the asking price.
Consider including incentives, like covering some closing costs, to sweeten the deal.
