Home Appraisal Checklist: Be Prepared

A dripping faucet or chipped paint can substantially affect your home's appraised value. Most homeowners don't realize this.

Your real estate experience includes a vital step: the home appraisal process. It takes 7-10 days and costs between $314 and $423. Many homeowners miss opportunities to raise their homes' values because they don't prepare well for the appraiser's visit.

A home appraisal checklist helps you get ready. The final value of your home depends on what appraisers see during their 20-minute to 2-hour inspection. This matters whether you plan to refinance or sell your property.

Want to know how to prepare your home and boost its appraisal value? Let's explore the steps you need to take.

What Happens During a Home Appraisal

"An appraisal is not the same as a home inspection. An appraisal determines value. An inspection determines condition." — Investopedia, a Prominent financial education website.

A professional appraiser is an independent expert who determines your home's fair market value. You must understand the appraiser's role and process to prepare for this vital evaluation.

Meeting the appraiser

Coordinate with the appraiser to set a good time for the home visit. You can be present during the appraisal, but the professional should work without distractions. Your real estate agent could handle this interaction if you have one.

Length of the process

The whole process usually takes 7-10 days. The scheduling happens within 48 hours of the lender placing the order. Your property's size and complexity will determine the on-site evaluation time, which ranges from 20 minutes to 3 hours.

The appraiser spends days researching similar properties. Then, they write a detailed report. This report has photos of living areas and documentation of your home's condition that takes 3-5 days to complete.

Documents to keep ready

These documents should be ready before the appraiser arrives:

• Maintenance records and recent repair documentation

• Property survey and floor plans

• List of recent improvements with associated costs

• Permit documentation for any modifications

• Recent utility bills

• Documentation of comparable home sales in your area

Also, a one-page summary that shows all improvements will help the appraiser find every valuable feature. This documentation helps the appraiser fully understand your property's worth.

Your lender and relevant authorities, like FHA or VA, will approve standardized forms the appraiser uses based on your loan type. This will result in a consistent evaluation process for whatever appraiser performs the work.

Essential Home Systems to Check

Your home's value depends heavily on how well its core systems work. Appraisers check these systems for any visible damage or problems.

Plumbing and electrical

First, check all plumbing fixtures in your home. Low water pressure, sinks that drain slowly, and dripping faucets usually indicate deeper plumbing problems. If left unchecked, these problems can become expensive to fix.

Your electrical systems need to meet these requirements:

• Every light switch and wall outlet works properly

• Outlet covers show no damage

• Fans and vents run smoothly

• No wiring is exposed

Appraisers focus on safety risks in electrical systems. Missing outlet covers or exposed wires signal poor maintenance. This leads them to wonder how well you've cared for the rest of your home.

HVAC maintenance

Your HVAC system needs extra attention. A well-maintained system shows appraisers that you care for your home and keeps everyone comfortable.

Consider booking a professional HVAC inspection before the appraisal. This will help you spot and fix any issues that could lower your home's value. Keeping detailed service records of your HVAC system can also boost your appraisal results.

Your HVAC system needs these key maintenance steps:

• New filters on schedule

• Regular performance checks

• Quick fixes for strange noises or performance drops

• Good airflow throughout your home

Finding HVAC problems during an appraisal can mess up your home's valuation. Regular maintenance helps you avoid surprises that could affect your home's worth.

Appraisers examine these systems to ensure they meet safety standards and work properly. Unlike home inspectors, appraisers don’t inspect homes in detail but point out apparent issues that might lower a property's value.

Quick Fixes That Matter

Simple repairs can boost your home's appraisal value. To maximize your preparation time, know which fixes to prioritize.

Repair visible damage

We focused on fixing problems that might make appraisers think your home lacks care. Peeling paint, cracked tiles, and damaged drywall need quick fixes. These minor issues often tell appraisers there might be more significant maintenance problems.

Your repair checklist should include:

• Chipped or damaged roof tiles

• Cracks along stucco or walls

• Rotting wood sections

• Missing outlet covers

Although each problem might seem small, appraisers look for signs that could indicate more significant issues. Good repair records show that you take home maintenance seriously.

Address safety concerns

Safety issues can make or break your home's appraisal. Start by checking all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors—you need one in every bedroom, hallway, and floor. Make sure the stair and deck handrails are secure. Check that the windows work correctly and have no broken glass.

Don't forget these safety essentials:

• Water heater strapping

• Exposed electrical wiring

• Quick-release mechanisms on window bars

• Proper GFCI outlets in bathrooms and kitchens

Unresolved safety issues can prevent your loan from being approved. The good news is that most safety fixes are straightforward and budget-friendly.

Update light fixtures

Light fixtures matter more than you might think in appraisals. Old or broken fixtures can make appraisers doubt your home's upkeep. New lighting makes rooms look bigger, cleaner, and better maintained.

Here's what you can upgrade:

• Replace dated vanity lights

• Update pendant fixtures over kitchen islands

• Install modern ceiling fans with remote controls

• Refresh exterior sconces

Fresh paint and new lighting can boost an older home's appraised value. Cleaning your fixtures well can improve their look. Just remove the dirt from the bulbs and glass panels.

Preparing Your Home's Exterior

Your home's exterior makes the first impression on appraisers. Proper preparation is vital to maximizing its value. A well-kept exterior can increase its worth by 15% to 20%.

Simple lawn care

Start with basic lawn upkeep. Turf grass alone can boost your property's value by up to 15%. We focused on proper mowing techniques. Never cut over one-third of the grass blade to keep your lawn healthy.

Your lawn needs a regular watering schedule. Water it three times weekly, early in the morning. This reduces water loss through evaporation. Deep watering helps roots grow stronger and leads to a healthier lawn.

Regular fertilization makes a difference. Granular fertilizer costs more than liquid options but offers steady benefits as it breaks down slowly. Your lawn needs multiple weed treatments throughout the year to look pristine.

Check roof condition

Your roof's condition substantially affects your home's appraisal value because it protects against environmental factors. Appraisers look at several key components:

• Shingle condition - looking for curling, cracking, or missing pieces

• Structural integrity - checking for sagging or uneven slopes

• Flashing seals - inspecting areas around chimneys and vents

• Ventilation system - assessing proper airflow and efficiency

A well-kept roof shows good property care and can boost the appraised value. To avoid problems in the valuation process, fix roof issues before the appraisal.

Good ventilation matters just as much as the roof's structural elements. It prevents moisture buildup and helps with energy efficiency. Appraisers like a well-ventilated roof system because it saves on cooling costs and allows the roof last longer.

Room-by-Room Preparation Guide

A methodical room-by-room preparation will help you catch everything during your home appraisal. Today's appraisers get into every space and take detailed photos and measurements of each room.

Kitchen essentials

Your kitchen can affect your home's appraisal value. Modern kitchens feature multiple work zones instead of the old triangle layouts.

Appraisers will assess these key elements:

• Countertop materials - quartz and quartzite top the priorities list

• Cabinet functionality - hidden storage spaces and integrated pantries

• Appliance conditions - with a focus on energy efficiency

• Island features - these are a big deal as it means that seven feet in length

Appraisers also look for eco-friendly materials like recycled glass countertops and reclaimed wood cabinetry. Intelligent features, such as touchless faucets, show modern upgrades that can boost value.

Bathroom checklist

Your first task is to check if all plumbing fixtures work well. Here's what you need to check:

• Leaky faucets or running toilets

• Proper drainage in sinks and tubs

• Secure toilet mounting

• Working exhaust fans

Next, check the caulking around tubs, showers, and sinks. For safety, verify that all electrical outlets are GFCI-compliant. Clean grout lines and fresh caulk show good maintenance and care.

Living areas

Your living spaces need clear paths for the appraiser to work in. The inspection can take anywhere from 20 minutes to 3 hours. You should organize these areas by moving excess furniture and ensuring the appraiser can easily reach all corners.

Check that all windows work properly and that floors are visible for assessment. Remove personal items and clutter that might block the appraiser's view or measurements. Note that appraisers must photograph every main living area.

Bedrooms

Start your bedroom prep by making each space easy to access. Appraisers need clear paths to windows, closets, and all corners for proper measurements.

Your closets should showcase storage space while remaining accessible. Remove personal items that could distract from the room's features or interfere with photos. Prepare paperwork for bedroom upgrades, such as new flooring or lighting fixtures.

You should temporarily move toys and equipment for a short period during the appraisal for kids' rooms and nurseries. This allows appraisers to move freely and obtain accurate room measurements without obstacles.

Be Prepared

Getting your home ready for an appraisal doesn't have to be complicated. A step-by-step approach makes the whole process easier to handle. To protect your home's value, focus on key systems, quick fixes, exterior upkeep, and a room-by-room review.

Expert guidance can significantly influence your appraisal results. Banks Valuation helps you identify what truly matters for your property. Their expertise ensures you're fully prepared for this vital evaluation.

A successful home appraisal comes from careful attention to detail and thorough preparation. Fixing issues before the appraisal boosts your property's value. It also shows your commitment to home maintenance. Begin with this checklist in advance, and you'll confidently greet the appraiser.