The appraiser won't know what your home is worth the second he walks in the door...What can you do to help the appraiser? Here are 4 things you can do:
1. Prep your space - declutter, dust, and mop beforehand to show your home in its best light. Also, inform all occupants that an appraiser is coming so everyone is up and out of bed! Appraisers don't judge cleanliness but a neat, organized home might help you.
2. Get your paperwork in order - gather all the information you have about the house and have it ready for the appraiser. Have a list of major improvements as well as detailed info about the age and condition of the roof, HVAC systems, and major appliances. This will be very helpful!
3. Don't put too much stock in home improvements - We're sure your brand-new kitchen is stunning, but don't be surprised if it doesn't proportionally raise your home's market value. If you spent $50,000, you're likely to see only a fraction of that returned in value.
4. Be honest - Before listing, make sure you and your realtor take a realistic look at what your home actually offers. It might be tempting to pad some square footage here and there. However, your appraiser won't be fooled, so it's best to always be truthful.