Preparing the Home for Appraisal

• Before the professional appraiser comes to evaluate the home, homeowners can prepare the home in order to get the highest appraisal possible. Homeowners should perform standard maintenance to make sure that the yard is cleared of debris and trees are trimmed properly. The exterior may need a paint touch-up, or a full repainting. Indoors, the home will be presented in the best possible light by completing repairs, clearing away clutter and touching up walls.
  
  

Working With the Appraiser

• Homeowners should remember that it is in their best interest to work with the appraiser. The appraiser will begin with an inspection of the exterior and the interior of the home and the property. To prepare an appraisal, the appraiser looks for assets and detriments to the real estate. The homeowner should give the appraiser access to all areas of the home, and let the appraiser know about any improvements and replacements, such as a new roof, replaced outdoor decking or a new water heater.
  
  

Noting Features and Amenities

• The appraiser will take into consideration the layout of the living area of the property along with the square footage. He will also take note of how many bedrooms and bathrooms are contained in the home. The appraisal will also factor in the quality of construction and the location of the home on the property. Amenities such as a swimming pool, finished basement, fireplace, central air-conditioning and hardwood flooring are important in an appraisal.
  
  

Assessing Location and Market Data

• The next step in appraising a home is to assess the neighborhood and surrounding areas. Proximity to non-residential properties may be a detriment, while nearby amenities such as transportation, restaurants, shopping and services can be considered a plus. Before preparing the appraisal, the appraiser will confirm tax data, zoning classification and sales of similar homes in the neighborhood. The appraiser should use a nonbiased view and prepare the report targeted toward the average buyer. Once the appraiser analyzes all the data and prepares the appraisal, it may be reviewed by another appraiser for accuracy.