santu says:

As a retired appraiser here are a few tips that most agents should know. Remember that the appraiser is human too and first impressions upon arrival will often set the tone. Make sure pets are locked up, there's no screaming kids, yard is neat and tidy, sinks clean, etc. If an appraiser sees a lot of deferred maintenance, they are apt to take a much closer look at everything in the property. Remember they are NOT home inspectors. Offer the comps, but don't go into a dissertation on each one. The appraiser is most likely very familiar with the neighborhood and usually has done far more appraisals in the area that the agent has had listings. I would not recommend following the appraiser throughout the property. All appraisers have their method of noting what they see. Let them measure, take notes and then offer a written list of recent upgrades and improvements. Dates are helpful also. If the appraisal comes back lower than expected, don't be afraid to plead your case with back up data. Make sure comps are recent, not just foreclosures or short sales, and try to stay within a one mile radius of the neighborhood if possible. If you have a property on a 1/2 acre lot, don't give the appraiser comps of homes that are on cookie cutter lots and are probably tract homes versus custom. You would be surprised at home many agents truly do not know how to price properties and how often they are comparing homes that are truly not comparables.

Rikki Snyder says:

Thanks for featuring my picture! Great article.

mbrlewis says:

In New Jersey we are seeing more and more representatives of national appraisal companies coming from other areas. Recently I've had them from Long Island and South Jersey, which are very different markets. The buyers agent should take responsibility for providing the appraiser access to the property and comparable sales, however, as a sellers agent I am happy to assist them as well. It is in the best interest of the seller to have an accurate appraisal as well. Barbara Lewis, Prudential New Jersey Properties

gillianne says:

Some good pointers here. For the kitchen, as a many-times homeowner/buyer, I have to note that I do NOT want granite counters, stainless steel appliances, or any of those extras. I want a good work layout or potential for that without a total gut job--good bones. I (and a number of people I know) aren't fans of stainless, prefer honed counter finishes, and never embraced excess in functional areas. When I put my house on the market this yr, I'll include an appliance allowance in the pricing rather than invest in appliances a buyer (like me) might not want. I do recognize, however, that you're talking about the appraiser's checklist, not the potential homebuyer's preferences, and there are useful tips to consider.

Annette Jordan says:

You said don't do staging, but everything you have suggested in this article is all part of the staging process. Staging your home does make a difference in the appraisal. The appraisers first impression when he walks in the home is certainly important but not necessarily dependent on the final value. When the appraiser comes to your home, every detail is vital and should not be overlooked. Better safe than sorry if your are trying sell or even get a refinance.

CAROLE MEYER says:

The exterior of the third photo is stunning.

marmarmish says:

Do you know where photo #5 of the street, was taken? Looks like such a quaint neighborhood!

jlencioni says:

I am renovating my small bath with a similar claw foot tub and looking for the shower set-up exactly as in the picture! Is there a way to find out the brand name of this faucet and shower combination? Joan

pblove says:

Thank you for this article! Came at the perfect time as we are preparing for our condo to be appraised this week!

jaxrevitalized says:

I agree with Annette. Staging may not be necessary to increase the appraisal since they see past furnishings, paint color, etc. anyway but if you want your home to sell quickly you better stage it. This is unless of course all the buyers in your neighborhood have impeccable taste and like fixer uppers.

clintmoyesrs says:

Just had an apprasial for my refi, they compared my home to short sales and foreclosures in a different zip code (but only about 4-6 miles away), that are in kind of a 'run down' neighborhood that backs up to section 8 apartment buildings. They said they were allowed to do it because there were no comparable homes in my area that sold recently. How do you deal with that?

mhayes622 says:

Your tip on making sure there are no visible signs of water in the basement...how about if there are problems such as leaks, moisture and/or mildew they get corrected not covered up. As a buyer I would definitely come back to the seller on that issue!

psykora says:

updating a bathroom and I was planning on painting the wood stain oak cabinet black---is that considered an updated color? I also have the very large mirror that covers the whole wall above the sink---I still really like it--but does that date the bathroom? I am changing out faucets,lights , floors and shower door i have off white/cream toilet and sinks

watchedpot says:

#5 is the Selby house in South Main, Colorado

Lanie Brown says:

As the listing agent in a contract it is very important to me in representing my Seller that the property appraise at or above sales price. Otherwise, the Buyer's lender won't support the agreed upon sales price and Buyer & Seller have to renegotiate to make the deal work. It's my practice in Texas real estate to "interview" (chit chat, but get the info I need) the appraiser when s/he calls to schedule the appraisal to gain a comfort level with his/her knowledge of the neighborhood. I ask if I may leave a packet of information to support the pricing of the subject property, and appraisers have always been gracious to take my information to consider. The lender's appraisal is supposed to be independent, so I do not recommend a homeowner follow the appraiser around. As santu said, Let the expert do his job. If the property is prepared for sale and the contract is fair, making appraisal should be a reasonable challenge in the closing process.
Lanie Brown
REALTOR® Associate, CNE, GRI
Martha Turner Properties

Kimberly Dale says:

Santu