Make no mistake about it… they certainly are! And that is SCARY! BUT it is the reality, so let’s get READY!

Appraisers are human. They have feelings, opinions, and preferences just like we all do. It is important to understand this. It is important to also understand why we teach you how to get your house ready for a buyer showings - we are technically prepping you for the real showdown of home inspectors and appraisers!

The appraisers job is to validate that the house is worth what the buyer is willing to pay! So we need it to look like it did, or better than, when the buyer originally saw it.

Refer back to past blogs on Getting your House Ready for Sale and Preparing for a Home Inspection to get caught up to this point. Now I’m going to simply give you items that you MUST complete before the appraiser comes!

Follow the exact instructions of how we’ve taught you to leave your house for a showing. (i.e. lights on, blinds open, beds made, toilet seats down, clean, etc.)
Create a list of all the repairs you have made to UPGRADE the home in the last 3 years. Note, I did not say “maintain”, I said UPGRADE. This includes, but is not limited to the roof, HVAC, kitchen/bathrooms, appliances, windows, hardscape, flooring, encapsulated crawlspace. Upgrades do not include painting, cleaning carpets, changing filters, re-grouting tile floors, mulching flower beds, and other minor cosmetic touch-ups. Those are all maintenance items that should be done regardless but do not add value to the home.
Have all areas accessible for viewing, including the crawlspace and attic.
If you have a floor plan of the home, leave that out for the appraiser. A copy of the floor plan will help the appraiser verify the square footage.
Make sure all utilities are on, and the heating and air is set to an appropriate temperature.
DO NOT follow the appraiser around! Everything you wish to show or tell the appraiser should be on the list mentioned in #2.

Believe it or not this appraiser has a lot of power! They have the power to make or break your deal. It is very important that you make their job as easy as possible. So make sure your house shows at it’s very best!