Getting your home appraised: 11 tips for a successful appraisal
Home appraisals play a crucial role in real estate transactions, but many homeowners are unsure how to prepare for them. This article offers valuable tips for a successful home appraisal, drawing on insights from experienced real estate professionals. By following these expert-backed strategies, homeowners can present their property in the best light and potentially increase its appraised value.
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- Treat Appraisal Like High-Stakes Home Showing
- Present Your Home’s Best Features Confidently
- Create Detailed Home Facts Packet for Appraiser
- Highlight Property Maintenance for Increased Value
- Compile Comprehensive Property Documentation Package
- Stage and Maintain Home Before Appraisal
- Provide Detailed Renovation Bids for Distressed Properties
- Walk Through Home from Appraiser’s Perspective
- Clean and Highlight Best Features
- Understand Subjective Nature of Home Appraisals
- Prepare Thoroughly for Accurate Home Appraisal
Treat Appraisal Like High-Stakes Home Showing
One strategy I recommend before an appraisal is to treat it like a high-stakes showing. First impressions shape value. Tidy up the home inside and out. Freshen up the yard, clean all surfaces, and remove clutter. A well-maintained home signals pride and care, which influences how an appraiser views the condition compared to others in the area.
I always prepare a summary of improvements. Include upgrades and updates, when they happened, and why they matter. Highlight features that don’t show up in public records. Things like energy savings, functional changes, or extra storage all add context to the appraiser’s report. I also gather recent sales that match the home in size, condition, and layout. This helps the appraiser see how your home fits the market without digging through mismatched data.
Meeting the appraiser helps, too. It’s a chance to hand over useful information and answer quick questions. Most won’t dig deep unless they have a reason. A clear presentation makes the process smoother. Good preparation keeps the value aligned with what the market supports. Small steps before the visit often make a big difference after.
Betsy Pepine, Owner and Real Estate Broker, Pepine Realty
Present Your Home’s Best Features Confidently
One strategy I always recommend is treating the appraisal like a job interview for your house. First impressions matter. Before the appraiser steps through the door, I make sure everything looks clean, well-maintained, and cared for. That doesn’t mean a complete renovation, just small things like touching up the paint, mowing the lawn, and ensuring everything is in working order.
When I prepared for my appraisal, I walked through the house the same way a buyer would, looking for anything that might raise a red flag. I also compiled a list of recent comparable sales in the neighborhood, homes similar in size, age, and updates, and had it ready to provide to the appraiser. It’s not about pushing your opinion; it’s about offering helpful context.
Appraisers work with facts, and giving them good data upfront makes their job easier. I also pointed out upgrades we had made that might not be immediately obvious, such as new HVAC or insulation. It’s about showing the value, not just stating it. You want the appraiser to walk out thinking, “This is a solid, well-kept home that fits the market.” That’s what helps ensure the number returns to where it should be.
Jimmy Welch, President, The Jimmy Welch Team
Create Detailed Home Facts Packet for Appraiser
For me, one of the most effective strategies to ensure an accurate home appraisal is treating the appraisal appointment almost like a showing for a buyer. Presentation matters more than most people think. In my opinion, too many homeowners underestimate the impact of a clean, well-maintained, and properly presented property on an appraiser’s perception.
When I’ve helped clients prepare, or even when I’ve done this for my own properties, I always start with a pre-appraisal checklist. This includes taking care of any minor repairs (like leaky faucets, chipped paint, or loose handles), deep-cleaning the entire space, and making sure the exterior has solid curb appeal—trimmed hedges, swept driveways, that kind of thing. Appraisers aren’t swayed by decor, but a tidy, cared-for home communicates that the property is in good condition.
I also make sure there’s a list prepared for the appraiser outlining all recent upgrades or renovations with dates and costs. For example, if the roof was replaced last year or the kitchen was remodeled, I don’t just tell them, I give them the details in writing. In today’s market, that can make a big difference in how value is interpreted.
Another thing I always consider is comparable sales in the neighborhood. I have access to the most up-to-date MLS® data, and I make sure to provide the appraiser with recent, relevant comps that support our pricing expectations, especially if I believe our home has better features than the average comp.
Adam Chahl, Owner / Realtor, Vancouver Home Search
Highlight Property Maintenance for Increased Value
After decades of designing and building custom homes in one of the country’s most competitive markets, one thing we know for certain: an accurate appraisal doesn’t just happen; it’s influenced by how well you tell your home’s story.
Here’s the strategy we recommend:
Prepare a curated “home facts” packet for the appraiser.
This includes:
- A list of recent upgrades and the associated costs (think structural changes, luxury finishes, and smart home features, not just cosmetic updates).
- High-quality photos that showcase the home’s unique architecture and premium materials.
- A breakdown of comps you want to consider, nearby properties of similar design and caliber (not just square footage).
Why it works:
Appraisers often work fast and rely heavily on public data or basic MLS details, which may not do justice to a custom-built or high-end home. By thoughtfully presenting the “why” behind your home’s value, you’re helping them make a more informed (and ideally, more favorable) decision.
What we consider in prep:
- Neighborhood trends and timing. We avoid scheduling appraisals during market lulls and always highlight relevant high-value sales in the area.
- Curb appeal and maintenance. Even for luxury properties, first impressions matter. A well-maintained home signals long-term care.
- Design details that don’t show up on spreadsheets. Custom millwork, integrated technology, and imported stone, these can get missed without a little context.
Want a more accurate home appraisal? Treat it like a mini marketing pitch; an opportunity to showcase the value behind every intentional detail.
Every design choice and finish contributes to the home’s value. Your job is to make sure none of it gets overlooked.
Tony Calvis, Founder, Calvis Wyant
Compile Comprehensive Property Documentation Package
Apart from major factors like location, size, amenities, and comparable sales in the area, another equally important factor that contributes to whether or not your home appraiser would accurately reflect the true market value is the condition of the property. The truth is that a well-maintained and clean property tells an appraiser that the homeowner has taken good care of the property, and this can help to increase the value of the home because it suggests that the property would require less maintenance in the future because its current owner is both responsible and attentive to detail. In the way that matters to the value of a home, regular maintenance plays a crucial role in preserving the property’s functionality and overall appeal, because it’s like ensuring that a car gets its regular oil change to prevent a situation where the engine suffers major damage.
You see, with the expenses and inconvenience that issues like leaking pipes and faulty electrical systems can cause, the prospect that new owners would be less likely to experience this inconvenience because the current owner was literally on top of the property’s maintenance can be a significant advantage and a major selling point. This is especially true because the appraiser can infer from a well-maintained and clean property that the property’s systems and components are in good working condition, which leads to a higher valuation. Plus, appraisers can also factor in the reduced risks of costly repairs or replacements, which can lead to a more accurate and favorable appraisal that adequately reflects the property’s true market value.
Here is how I prepare for my property’s appraisal: First, I make sure the property is spotlessly clean inside and out. I also consider factors like regular maintenance records, upgrades or renovations, and the overall condition of the property’s systems and components. Then, I make sure to highlight any unique features or improvements that could positively impact the property’s value, and this helps the appraiser do a more accurate assessment of the property’s value and potential.
Nathan Richardson, Founder, Business owner and leader, CashForHome
Stage and Maintain Home Before Appraisal
As someone who’s worked extensively in real estate and construction, I’ve learned that preparation is absolutely critical for getting an accurate appraisal that reflects your home’s true market value.
The most effective strategy I recommend is creating a comprehensive property documentation package before the appraiser arrives. This isn’t just about tidying up—it’s about presenting a complete picture of your property’s value.
Here’s how I approach appraisal preparation:
Document all improvements and upgrades. I compile receipts, permits, and photographs for any renovations, additions, or major repairs completed in the last 5-10 years. This includes everything from HVAC system replacements to kitchen remodels, new roofing, or energy-efficient windows. Appraisers can’t always see the quality of work behind walls or know the age of systems without this documentation.
Prepare a comparable sales analysis. I research recent sales of similar properties in the neighborhood, focusing on homes sold within the last 3-6 months. I note square footage, lot size, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and any unique features. This helps me understand the market context and provides backup data if needed.
Address obvious maintenance issues beforehand. While major renovations aren’t necessary, I ensure basic maintenance is current—fresh paint where needed, functional fixtures, clean gutters, and well-maintained landscaping. First impressions matter, and deferred maintenance can signal larger problems to an appraiser.
Highlight unique value-adding features. I create a simple one-page summary noting special features that might not be immediately obvious—things like energy-efficient systems, smart home technology, premium materials used in construction, or lot characteristics that add value.
The key is presenting your home as a well-maintained asset while providing the appraiser with objective data to support accurate valuation. Remember, appraisers are looking for factual information, not sales pitches.
Tabish Khan, Founder, Construction Lucknow
Provide Detailed Renovation Bids for Distressed Properties
One effective strategy for accurately appraising your home is to ensure it is adequately staged and well-maintained before the appraiser arrives. This includes making necessary repairs, decluttering, and enhancing curb appeal to showcase your home’s strengths. Additionally, provide the appraiser with a list of recent upgrades or improvements, comparable sales in the neighborhood, and any unique features that might add value. By presenting the home in its best light and offering relevant information, you help ensure the appraisal reflects its true market value.
To prepare for the appraisal, I ensured the home was clean, well-maintained, and clutter-free. I completed any minor repairs that could potentially impact the appraisal, such as fixing leaky faucets or patching holes in the walls. I also took the time to highlight recent upgrades, like new appliances or a renovated kitchen, and made sure the appraiser had access to all relevant documentation.
Additionally, I researched comparable home sales in the neighborhood to give the appraiser a better sense of the local market and ensure a fair comparison. Lastly, I ensured the appraiser had a clear view of the home’s best features, such as spacious rooms, a well-maintained yard, or energy-efficient upgrades.
Josh Dotoli, CEO, DOTOLI Group
Walk Through Home from Appraiser’s Perspective
Accurate appraisals and distressed properties rarely mix well.
There is simply too much room for error, especially when homes need significant repairs.
In wholesale real estate in Texas, we often encounter this problem, particularly with short sales. Many appraisers are accustomed to move-in ready homes, so they may underestimate the extent of repairs or overlook hidden issues that don’t appear in MLS comparables.
Our strategy is to obtain at least two detailed, written renovation bids from reputable contractors. We organize these estimates and place them where the appraiser can’t miss them, usually right on the kitchen counter or taped to the entryway.
This approach ensures that the appraiser sees real, line-by-line costs for every repair, from plumbing to drywall. It provides them with context that a quick walk-through and neighborhood comparables simply can’t offer.
By providing appraisers with this level of detail, we aim to ensure that the value they assign reflects the true, as-is condition of the property—not just its square footage or zip code.
Patrick Schultz, Director of Wholesaling, Wholesale Real Estate Texas
Clean and Highlight Best Features
One strategy I always recommend is to put yourself in the appraiser’s shoes—start by walking through your home and making a list of recent updates, like new appliances or fresh paint, and gather receipts or photos as proof. When I prepared for my own appraisal, I also shared a list of comparable homes that had recently sold in the neighborhood to help support my home’s value. Small touches, like tidying up and making minor repairs, can make a big difference in how an appraiser perceives the condition and value of your home.
Parker McInnis, Owner, Speedy Sale Home Buyers
Understand Subjective Nature of Home Appraisals
Appraisals are all about aesthetics! The primary strategy we utilize is ensuring the home is very clean, and the best features are highlighted. Remove any clutter, clean up the yard, touch up the paint, repair any visible issues, and deep clean the home. The appraiser will directly associate value with presentation. Even if the home isn’t fully updated on a cosmetic level, following the steps above will help you in a big way.
If the goal is selling the property and you already have an agent contact, make sure they are present for the appraisal with a detailed comparable market analysis report. The agent can share that data with the appraiser, and if the value comes in lower than expected, the agent can advocate on your behalf to ensure the appraisal is accurate and truly reflects the current market value of the property.
Remember, you have the option to dispute the appraisal with valid data, just make sure it’s handled by a professional!
James Hawk, CEO, SellHouseCash.com
Prepare Thoroughly for Accurate Home Appraisal
Most people think appraisals are cut-and-dried math. They’re not.
Appraisals are far more subjective than people realize—because appraisers are human too.
They come in after the deal is already in motion, and their job is to justify or challenge the contract price. But here’s the truth: experienced real estate agents and brokers are often better at valuing homes upfront. Why? Because we work directly with buyers and sellers every day.
We don’t just pull a few comps and call it a day—we know how to adjust for renovations, upgrades, location quirks, and those little details an algorithm can’t catch. If you’re thinking about buying or selling, talk to someone who actually works in the neighborhood.
It might just save your deal.
Jim Whatley, Broker Uber Realty, Uber Realty
