Most people get surprised when they learn what appraisers actually look for when determining a property's value. The misconception most homeowners have is that the appraisers only determine the homes' value once they finish their physical inspection of the property. However, you should know that the appraisers already have an idea of your home's value even before they drop by your property.
The great news is that you no longer have to worry about requesting for a 'grace period' to do a home 'clean up' in the hopes that a cleaner home will influence the appraiser's value. While a tidy home will help the appraisers notice the good things that your home has, the only reason for you to focus on the clutter is when it actually damages the entire property.
Here is a quick outline of how the appraisal is done:
For the site itself, the factors considered includes the location, view, lot size, zoning, utilities, topography, and landscape.
For the design, the factors considered includes the quality of construction, finishes, and fixed appliances.
The condition of the home also matters, and the factors that determine the home's condition includes its age, renovations, upgrades, features, and of course, any forms of deteriorations.
The safety of the home also has a say in the overall appraisal rating. This means that the structural integrity of the property alongside its code compliance are both determinants of a property's value. The neighborhood is also a big factor, alongside its garages and carports.
Additionally, they may also have to consider the curb appeal, number of rooms, and working gas detectors.
Take note that the abovementioned details are simply a summary of an appraiser's criteria. It may lack some details, and there may be other special factors that will either increase or decrease your home's appraised value. In general, the best thing that you can do to get the most out of an appraisal inspection is to make sure that your home is sturdy, safe, and appealing.
