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If you are purchasing a home, refinancing or taking out a home equity line, then you are likely expecting to have an appraisal done in the near future. Here are a few tips to make sure your home gets the value its deserves.

WRITE DOWN YOUR UPGRADES:  Type of a list of upgrades that you have done for you home.  If you just "tell" the appraiser, he may not remember or may be overwhelmed with the information--he may even tune you out as he concentrates on what he needs to get done.  Having an organized list that you can give him that he can review back at his desk, can be helpful.  Include obvious upgrades (new cabinets) and not so obvious upgrades (new water heater or forced air unit) along with the date those upgrades were done.  Provide this list to your appraiser and offer to elaborate if he needs additional information.

CLEAN UP:  While you don't have to clean out every closet...make it as clean and shiny as your time permits.  You want him to notice the new counters on your upgraded kitchen-not the stacks of bills, papers and miscellaneous items.  A clean house will show better than a dirty one.  Even clean the carpets if they need it.  A dirty home may make the appraiser wonder about deferred maintenance.  If you have a dog, put him away during the visit. 

EDUCATE YOUR APPRAISER, IF NEEDED.  If you live in an area where values can vary greatly from street to street, ask your appraiser if he knows the area well.  For example, there are homes just a street away from each other that appear very similar up  in Serrano Heights in the City of Orange.  However, prices can vary dramatically because the upgrades, quality of materials and builders were different in the two homes.  If this is the case in your city (and it often is in cities like Huntington Beach and  Newport Beach), then politely let your appraiser know how and why the homes on your street or immediate area to tend hold value more than what would appear to be similar homes nearby.    If you are working with a lender or broker, ask them to request an appraiser that specializes in your city or knows your area very well.

PROVIDE THE FLOORPLAN:  If you have it, give a copy of the floor plan to the appraiser.  Many appraisers subscribe to a company that provides common floor plans, but if you have yours, have a copy ready for him.  In large, custom homes, have the blueprint of the house available if possible.  

WANT YOUR APPRAISER TO CONSIDER A SPECIFIC HOUSE THAT SOLD?  Be prepared by writing it down the address, the purchase price (if you know it) and the approximate time it sold.  It may be that while the house is near you, it may not make a good comparable sale.  Maybe it happened six months ago and so the data is no longer good or must be adjusted for time (typical in a declining market) or upgrades or size.  If you are buying a  home, ask your real estate agent to provide a few, good comparable sales that you can give to the appraiser.

Use these tips and you'll help make sure that your appraiser doesn't miss a detail that might add value to your home.

If you have any appraisal related questions, do not hesitate to call or email me.  johnsonlaw@sbcglobal.net