Are you getting ready to sell your house? A home appraisal gives you a good idea of what your house is worth before you put it on the market.
Before you call the appraiser, there are a few things to do to make sure you get the highest appraisal value for your home. You don’t have to bust the budget but it will take a little elbow grease!
Keep reading for some simple ways to increase your home’s appraisal value.
Declutter First
Are you wondering, “How will I sell my house?” The first step is knowing what it’s worth.
The appraiser looks at many factors to determine your home’s market value. Some of these factors include:
- Size
- Age
- Condition
- Amenities
- Location
- Comparable home sales in the area
When you declutter your home, it helps the appraiser see past your stuff to the home underneath. It also speaks to how you treat your home.
You don’t want the appraiser focusing on a sink full of dirty dishes or clothes strewn all over the couch. A clutter-free home gives a good impression.
A decluttered closet appears bigger than a closet that’s crammed full of clothes and shoes. A decluttered home feels more spacious and will sell faster too.
Clean, Clean, Clean
Along with decluttering, do a deep clean. This is more than dusting and vacuuming.
Wash the curtains or blinds, clean the windows, and wet dust along the baseboards. Dust ceiling fans and light fixtures. Make sure the entire house sparkles and smells great.
Fresh Paint
Paint fits most budgets, and a fresh coat of paint makes a world of difference. Opt for neutral colors that make the rooms feel bigger.
Don’t have the time or budget to paint the whole interior of the house? Scrub the walls and remove any scuff marks and retouch areas that are especially bad.
Make Minor Updates
Switching out low-qualify faucets and door and cabinet pulls for updated fixtures earns favorable value adjustments. Old, outdated kitchens and bathrooms pull the value of your home down.
Do you have grandma’s old wallpaper in the bathroom? Take it down, paint, and upgrade the fixtures.
There’s no need for a complete renovation. The idea is to make the house look clean, fresh, and updated.
Carpets and Flooring
If you have badly stained and worn carpets, consider getting new ones. If you don’t have the budget for new, have the carpets cleaned by a professional.
Do you have beautiful wood floors? Make sure they’re clean and shiny!
Enhance Curb Appeal
The first thing the appraiser sees is the front of the home. Mow the lawn, clean up the flower beds, and trim the bushes.
Pressure wash the outside of the home and clean the windows. A fresh coat of paint on the front door is inexpensive but looks great. Keep the color classic and neutral.
Increase Your Home’s Appraisal Value
You can increase your home’s appraisal value on a small budget. It takes some time and elbow grease but it’s worth it. Follow the tips above and get the most out of your home appraisal.
Looking for more great home advice? Keep scrolling the blog!
