Want a better appraisal? I have some tips that will help. Most are common sense but you would be surprised how many home owners do not prepare for an appraisal!

1. Clean your entire house and entire yard. Please trim the vegetation around the house. I need to be as close to the walls as possible. Nothing like having your flesh ripped open by lovely rose bushes.
2. De-clutter your property;  You don’t want me tripping on old boards, children’s toys, a sprinkler head, or clutter lying around as I face plant in your beautiful cactus.
3. Landscaping, landscaping, landscaping. Curb appeal. Did I mention landscaping?;
4. If you are a seller, tell me how the list price was quantified (CMA, BPO, PFA – pulled from air, etc.);
5. If the appraisal is for purchase, have your commission earning listing agent provide me details;
6. Give me access when I want to view your property. Don’t make it difficult. Work with me;
7. Turn on all the lights in the residence;
8. Smell. A pleasant smelling home is nice don’t you agree?
9. Ensure water is on and hot water is functional;
10. Clean the pool and pool deck area;
11. I am required to take pictures. Inside & out. All rooms. Prepare accordingly;
12. Bank rules – no religious artifacts, people, or animals allowed in pictures (no matter how cute.) Prepare accordingly;
13. Prepare a written list of upgrades, remodel, improvements, additions, etc.;
14. If possible, go ahead and make upgrades and home improvements;
15. Provide me with home owner’s information (dues, amenities, etc.);
16. Total how much money you invested into your property making upgrades, repairs, etc.;
17. Describe in writing all characteristics you feel enhances the value of your property;
18. Provide any surveys and-or recent (last 3 years) MLS listings of your property;
19. Don’t offer to help measure the house;
20. Don’t follow me around. Give me space;
21. Put your killer dogs, snakes, iguanas, etc. away. Unless they are Chihuahuas! (We have 7!);
22. Remove the poo from your yard. I don’t want to bring it into your home or my car;
23. Make it easy for me to measure the structures. Trim vegetation encroaching the building(s);
24. Mention any recent sales or listings in your subdivision or area;
25. Mention any new goings on in your neighborhood and town – grocery store, park, schools, jobs;
26. Appraisers generally prefer to be alone when inspecting your property;
27. Be truthful. Do not try and hide anything;
28. Do not try and influence the value by pressuring me;
29. Don’t ask about value. The appraiser is prohibited from discussing the report with you;
30. Be kind, respectful, and courteous to the appraiser;
31. Prior to your bank’s appraiser contacting you, ask appraisers in your area for advice;
32. Ask a neighbor or friend to view your property and give you honest feedback;
33. Ensure the appraiser is experienced and geographically competent.

Note: The appraiser’s responsibility is to the public trust. Not to make your deal work. The appraiser must be Independent, Objective, and Impartial.
I hope these tips help. Please contact me  and I’ll answer your questions.

BBQ:

BLT: Be Good to Yourself by Journey