Getting a higher home appraisal is a must if you wish to refinance the mortgage on your home and hopefully, secure better loan options and payments later on. While the appraisal would depend solely on the appraiser, there are ways you can do to ensure you can get higher home appraisals.
As previously reported here on Realty Today, home appraisals are based on different factors, including comps and the house's current condition. Knowing about these factors beforehand can help you prepare your home and yourself before an appraiser arrives at your doorstep.
1. Keep Your House in its Tip-Top Shape
Trulia noted that the house's current condition will greatly determine the home appraisal and whether or not you will get a high one. If the appraiser finds that your house is in good condition and was kept in its tip-top shape, then chances are, you will get a high home appraisal.
This means that homeowners should do all the necessary repairs and clean thoroughly before an appraiser arrives at home.
2. Know the Comps
Appraisers often base their appraisals on similar homes that were recently sold within the area. There are times when comps affect the home appraisal, which can give you lower appraisals, so it would be best to know the comps on your own.
The publication noted that homeowners can know the comps by going to their local county offices or do a quick property search online to see recently sold houses in their area.
3. Prepare a List of Anything That was Done to the House
The publication also noted that it is always a good thing to keep a file of receipts and documents that show any upgrades or improvements that were done to your house. This would help prove that you have done all necessary steps to ensure that your house is in good condition.
