Can You Increase Your Home’s Appraisal Value Before an Appraisal?
If you have a home appraisal coming up, it’s natural to wonder if there’s anything you can do beforehand to increase your home’s value. Whether you’re selling your home, refinancing your mortgage, or preparing for another type of appraisal, a little preparation can go a long way.
While no one can dramatically change a property’s market value overnight, there are steps homeowners can take to ensure their home is presented accurately and that important improvements are recognized during the appraisal process.
What Determines Your Home’s Appraisal Value?
A professional appraiser considers many factors when determining a home’s market value, including:
- The home’s size and layout
- Overall condition
- Location
- Recent comparable sales
- Upgrades and renovations
- Current real estate market conditions
Because appraisers rely on objective data and market evidence, it’s important to understand that cosmetic changes alone typically won’t have a major impact on value.
Complete Minor Repairs
Small maintenance issues may seem insignificant, but they can affect the overall impression of your home’s condition.
Before your appraisal, consider addressing items such as:
- Leaky faucets
- Loose handrails
- Cracked windows
- Damaged trim
- Missing light fixtures
- Peeling paint
Keeping your home well maintained demonstrates that the property has been cared for over time.
Make Sure Your Home Is Accessible
The appraiser needs access to both the interior and exterior of the property.
Be sure to:
- Unlock all rooms and outbuildings
- Clear access to the attic, basement, and utility areas
- Secure pets during the appointment
Making the inspection easy and efficient allows the appraiser to fully evaluate your property.
Prepare a List of Recent Improvements
One of the most helpful things you can do is provide a list of major improvements you’ve completed.
Examples include:
- Kitchen renovations
- Bathroom updates
- New roof
- Replacement windows
- HVAC upgrades
- Electrical or plumbing improvements
- Finished basement
- New flooring
Including the approximate completion dates can also be helpful. While the appraiser will verify the home’s condition independently, knowing about recent improvements ensures nothing important is overlooked.
Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal
First impressions matter.
Simple improvements such as mowing the lawn, trimming landscaping, removing clutter, and cleaning walkways can make your property appear well maintained.
Although curb appeal alone won’t dramatically increase your home’s value, it contributes to the overall condition assessment.
Understand What Doesn’t Increase Value
Many homeowners believe certain projects automatically add significant value, but that’s not always the case.
For example:
- Expensive décor
- Luxury furniture
- Temporary cosmetic upgrades
- Overly personalized renovations
An appraisal is based on the property’s market value, not the cost of individual improvements or personal design preferences.
Don’t Rely on Online Home Value Estimates
Online valuation tools can provide a rough estimate, but they don’t inspect your home or account for its unique features, condition, or recent updates.
A professional appraisal provides a much more accurate opinion of value because it’s based on an in-person inspection and detailed market analysis.
Work With an Experienced Local Appraiser
Local market knowledge plays an important role in determining a property’s value.
An appraiser who understands the Western New York market can evaluate neighborhood trends, recent comparable sales, and local market conditions that may not be reflected in national valuation tools.
At Girasole Appraisal Company, we’ve been helping homeowners throughout Lewiston and Western New York with professional residential and commercial appraisal services for decades.
Schedule Your Home Appraisal with Confidence
Preparing your home for an appraisal doesn’t mean making expensive renovations. Instead, focus on ensuring your property is well maintained, accessible, and accurately represented.
If you’re buying, selling, refinancing, settling an estate, or simply want to understand your home’s current market value, Girasole Appraisal Company is here to help.
Contact us today to schedule a professional appraisal anywhere in Lewiston, Buffalo, Niagara County, or throughout Western New York.