What Does a Home Appraiser Look for During an Inspection?
If you have a home appraisal scheduled, you may be wondering exactly what the appraiser will be evaluating. It’s one of the most common questions homeowners ask, especially if they’re selling, refinancing, settling an estate, or appealing their property taxes.
The good news is that an appraisal isn’t a “pass or fail” inspection. Instead, the appraiser’s goal is to gather information about your property’s condition, features, and overall marketability in order to determine its fair market value.
Here’s what a professional appraiser typically looks for during a home inspection.
The Overall Condition of the Home
One of the first things an appraiser evaluates is the overall condition of the property.
This includes looking at how well the home has been maintained over time. A well-maintained property often provides buyers with greater confidence and may compare more favorably to similar homes in the area.
The appraiser will observe both the interior and exterior of the home to understand its overall quality and condition.
The Exterior of the Property
The outside of your home provides important information about its condition and curb appeal.
During the inspection, an appraiser may evaluate:
- The condition of the siding or exterior finish
- The roof and visible signs of wear
- The foundation
- Windows and doors
- Driveways and walkways
- Landscaping and drainage
- Garages, sheds, and other permanent structures
These features help provide a complete picture of the property’s overall condition.
Interior Features and Layout
Inside the home, the appraiser documents important characteristics that influence value.
These typically include:
- Total square footage
- Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
- Floor plan and functionality
- Overall condition of each room
- Quality of finishes
- Heating and cooling systems
- Kitchen and bathroom updates
The appraiser is focused on the home’s permanent features rather than personal belongings or decorating style.
Recent Improvements and Renovations
Home improvements can contribute to a property’s market value, especially when they align with buyer expectations in the local market.
If you’ve recently completed projects such as:
- A kitchen remodel
- Bathroom renovations
- A new roof
- Replacement windows
- HVAC upgrades
- Electrical or plumbing improvements
it’s helpful to provide the appraiser with a list of those improvements and, if possible, the approximate dates they were completed.
Safety and Structural Concerns
Appraisers also note visible issues that could affect a property’s value or marketability.
Examples may include:
- Foundation concerns
- Water damage
- Roof deterioration
- Broken windows
- Significant deferred maintenance
- Safety hazards
- Obvious structural issues
While appraisers are not home inspectors, they do document visible conditions that may influence value.
What Appraisers Don’t Evaluate
Many homeowners spend hours preparing their home before an appraisal, worrying about things that typically have little or no impact on the property’s value.
Appraisers are not evaluating:
- Your decorating style
- Furniture choices
- Personal belongings
- Everyday clutter
- Whether your dishes are in the sink
A clean, well-maintained home certainly creates a positive impression, but the appraisal is based on the property’s physical characteristics and market data—not your interior design choices.
Comparable Sales Matter Just as Much
The inspection is only one part of the appraisal process.
After visiting the property, the appraiser researches recently sold homes that are similar in size, condition, location, and features. These comparable sales play a major role in determining your home’s market value.
This market analysis ensures the final appraisal reflects current real estate conditions rather than personal opinions.
Why Local Experience Matters
Every real estate market is different.
An appraiser familiar with Lewiston, Buffalo, Niagara County, and the surrounding Western New York communities understands local market trends, neighborhood influences, and buyer preferences that can affect property values.
That local expertise helps ensure a more accurate and well-supported appraisal.
Trust Girasole Appraisal Company for Your Next Appraisal
Whether you’re buying, selling, refinancing, settling an estate, or simply need an accurate opinion of your property’s value, Girasole Appraisal Company is here to help.
Our experienced team proudly provides residential and commercial appraisal services throughout Lewiston, Buffalo, Niagara County, and communities across Western New York.
Contact Girasole Appraisal Company today to schedule your appraisal.