No one enjoys getting an appraisal of their home. It’s always daunting to hear how much your property is worth and whether you will afford the repairs that are inevitably required. However, you can do a few things to make the process a little less painful.
If you’re preparing for an appraisal, several home improvement projects will help get your house in its tip-top shape. You can increase your property’s value and get a much lower home appraisal by working on these changes.
Paint the interior walls of your home
Painting the interior of your home can freshen up the look of your property. Take care when choosing your paint, though. Use flat color rather than semi-gloss or gloss. It will prevent any shine on the walls and give your property a more conservative look in the eyes of an appraiser.
Also, consider painting rooms in neutral colors that don’t distract from your home’s features.
Clean dirt and debris from your property
Your landscaping is a valuable asset to your home, so you’ll want to take care of it. If there’s grass or flowers in your front yard, ensure they are trimmed and well-maintained. Your home will also look more aesthetically pleasing if there isn’t a bunch of dirt and weeds on your driveway, sidewalk, or porch.
Fix minor plumbing issues
Plumbing problems can sometimes go overlooked for a long time. They can cause water damage to flooring and woodwork that an appraiser might notice.
Hire a licensed plumber to identify and fix all problems you encounter throughout your home. If an appraiser notices that your plumbing issues have been taken care of, they will likely value your property higher than if it were full of problems.
Repair damaged roofing and gutters
The roof is the part that covers your entire house, so it’s essential to keep it in good shape. Have them cleared out if the gutters are blocking water from getting where it should go.
Also, be sure to get any loose shingles or other roofing material fixed right away by a professional. When your property looks well-maintained, you’re more likely to get a good deal when you sell.
Clean your fireplace and chimney
If you have a fireplace, make sure it doesn’t have any obstructions or ashes blocking the exhaust in the chimney. You’ll want an appraiser to be able to see through your chimney for them to determine its value.
Also, make sure your fireplace is in working order. If you’ve been thinking about installing a gas-burning fireplace, make it a priority before getting an appraisal done.
Create a formal entryway
Homeowners can add value by making their home’s front door look inviting. A foyer is an excellent example of this because it creates a space for appraisers to inspect before they are inside the house.
Promote your home’s exterior by adding potted plants and outdoor lighting near the front door. An appraiser will see these features as signs that you’ve taken care of your home’s interior and exterior.
Contact pest control services
Before getting an appraisal done, contact a reputable pest control service and have them inspect your property for any pesky critters that may be doing damage without you knowing it.
When you get an appraisal, your property value will be based on the condition that the appraiser finds it in. If they find pests, this will decrease the amount of money your home is worth.
Use new appliances and lighting fixtures
When buying new appliances for your kitchen or bathroom, try to purchase top-of-the-line models. They may seem more expensive, but they often come with warranties and can increase your home value by quite a bit.
Additionally, you’ll want to give every room in your house the best lighting fixtures possible because this will help maintain your home’s value. If an appraiser sees that you’ve updated some or all of your lighting, they may value your home higher.
Talk to your estate agent
Estate agents are knowledgeable about the local property market, so ask them for advice on what you should do to get your home ready for an appraisal. They will be able to provide you with information about how much money you can spend without sacrificing your home’s value.
When it comes time to sell your property, the things that an appraiser sees might matter more than you think. If your home displays signs of neglect, it will be harder to sell at a higher price. Therefore, you want to make sure that your home is in the best condition possible before getting an appraisal done. A bit of effort now may pay off later when you sell.
