Home appraisals play a critical role in the real estate lifecycle. An accurate appraisal helps ensure that the lender is protected, that buyers aren’t overpaying, and that sellers have a realistic expectation of value. All of this, of course, depends on a number of factors. Let’s break down things that can impact the home appraisal process and what homeowners can do to (potentially) boost their home value before the appraiser comes by.
Key Factors That an Appraiser Looks For
A handful of key elements can affect the appraisal process and the value of your property. We’ll split these up into the ones you can control and the ones you can’t control as you prepare for your appraisal.
Home Appraisal Factors That You Can’t Control
Market Conditions
It could take a while between listing a property for sale and closing the deal — by which point, the market could change drastically. This is why a mortgage appraisal is done right at the end of the process, to lock in the fairest price possible based on the market conditions at the time of sale. The appraisal ideally confirms the amount that the buyer and seller agreed upon and the loan amount the mortgage lender approved. The appraiser takes into account supply and demand, local economic conditions, interest rates, broader housing cycle trends, and more when they consider market conditions. Two nearly identical homes may appraise differently in a hot market versus a soft one. Timing is everything!
Location and Neighborhood Factors
Location, location, location! Things like school district, access to amenities, crime rates, and proximity to transportation or large nuisances all matter when it comes to your appraisal. Homes in well-regarded neighborhoods tend to appraise higher, while those near high-crime areas or industrial plants, for example, tend to suffer. Even an annoying neighbor can negatively impact your appraisal.
Property Size and Layout
Sometimes, bigger is better. More living area generally equates to a higher value. But it’s not just about having a jumbo house — the efficiency of the layout also matters! Homes with limited or awkward layouts may receive lower adjustments than homes with similar size but better usability.
Comparable Property Sales
Choosing and adjusting comparables (or “comps”) is a core part of the appraisal process. The recent sale prices of similar homes in the same market area provide benchmarks for value. If comps are weak (few, far, or dissimilar), the appraiser may need to make larger adjustments, which can introduce more uncertainty and risk.
Age of the Home
The older the home, the higher likelihood that some things are due for replacement or a little elbow grease. But age is just a number, right? Older homes in good condition with updated systems (roof, HVAC, plumbing, electrical) fare better than older homes showing deferred maintenance (peeling paint, broken windows, visible wear and tear) or system obsolescence. Now, here’s the silver lining: some of these things you can improve, and that’s where the story changes.
Factors You Can Control: How to Prepare for Your Home Appraisal
Good news, homeowner: you have more of a hand in your home’s value than you might think. Here’s what you can do — and how far in advance you should do it — to make the best impression when your appraisal day comes.
Months (or More) Before Your Appraisal: Big Picture Projects
An appraiser can tell if you take care of your property. Regular home maintenance is a major factor here — maybe as important as the market. The more you pour into your property over the course of its life, the more you can get back when it’s time to sell.
Renovations and Home Improvements
In addition to necessary maintenance (which will also give you a leg up during the home inspection), there are a couple of aesthetic decisions you can make to boost your home value. If you’re thinking about doing renovations like these, give yourself plenty of time before your appraisal. Relevant and well-executed upgrades — such as a kitchen remodel, bathroom update, or finished basement — can boost your home’s value when they align with neighborhood norms.
A Few Weeks Before: Maintenance Touch-Ups & Curb Appeal
First impressions matter — even for appraisers. The exterior condition (landscaping, siding, roof, windows), driveway, and garage all play a role in how your property is perceived. A well-kept exterior signals good maintenance, while peeling paint, cracked pavement, or overgrown plants can raise red flags. Now’s the time to handle:
Yard work and trimming
Power washing siding and driveways
Paint touch-ups
Fixing small exterior issues (loose shingles, gutters, etc.)
A Week or Two Before: Shine and Simplify
You may be thinking, “Wait a minute, shouldn’t it look like someone lives here?” And to that, we say, maybe not so much. When it comes to leaving a solid impression on appraisers and buyers, less is more. When you go through the bathroom, clear the counters and walls of all personal items aside from hand soap and a towel. Make sure any showers and tubs are almost entirely free of soaps, sponges, and other items, especially on the floor. Go minimal on the decor. You might consider removing some personal photographs, and (gulp) it’s time to handle that overflowing closet. Closets stuffed with towels and holiday supplies and candles will make it difficult for an appraiser to gauge the usable space.
The Day Before: Clean, Clean, Clean
Do a deep clean from top to bottom. Dust ceiling fans, wipe baseboards, and polish reflective surfaces so they sparkle. Clear counters of crumbs, clutter, and stains — and consider tucking away extra appliances.
Day Of: Finishing Touches
Show time! Here are the last few things you can do before the appraiser arrives. Quick, put all that random junk into the car!
Air It Out
One handy way to make your place really feel fresh? Toss a little white vinegar in your carpet cleaning or mop solution or sprinkle baking soda on the floor before vacuuming to help eliminate any odors. You can also use a little essential oil, like lavender, in that mixture to circulate a nice, fresh scent through your place. Finally, open up those windows (weather permitting) and allow some fresh air to do the rest.
Provide a List of Repairs and Upgrades
This is a nice touch for both appraisers and home inspectors — let them know what you’ve done recently to improve your home. Whether that’s a new water heater or you finally got the roof repaired after last year’s hail damage, these details will go a long way!
Get Ready for Your Close-Up
The appraiser will take plenty of photos, so do one last walk-through and view your home through the camera lens. Adjust lighting, fluff pillows, straighten rugs, and make sure each room looks its best. Sometimes, a photo reveals what the eye might miss! Now, you’re ready for your best possible outcome. Good luck, homeowner!
Who Knew Behind-the-Scenes Could Feel So Fun?
Into the behind-the-scenes stuff that makes the real estate market tick? That’s the day in the life of an appraiser. From rare and interesting homes to famous properties and lots of compiling and analyzing data, a property appraiser’s job is never short of opportunities to learn and explore. Learn more about real property appraisal on our blog, and then see what it takes to become an appraiser in your state.
