Expert Valuation Services

Although appraisers are trained to look beyond personal belongings and focus on the property's overall condition, it's still a good idea to present a clean and well-maintained home. If possible, take care of any minor repairs that could be seen as deferred maintenance. Prepare a detailed list of any recent upgrades, including the years they were completed. Ensure the appraiser has easy access to all living spaces, rooms, and the exterior of the property. If you have relevant market data or comparable sales, you can provide them to the appraiser, as long as you do not suggest a specific value or influence their opinion. However, be aware that some appraisers may not accept comparable sales from homeowners, and if that is the case, respect their professional boundaries.

The two most significant factors that determine your home's value are its location and the current real estate market. If the market is in decline, property values will reflect that trend, whereas rising prices will increase your home's value. While you can't control market conditions or relocate your home, you can focus on factors within your control. When appraising your property, an appraiser will assess its overall quality and condition. To maximize your home's value, it should align in quality and condition with the highest-priced comparable sales in your area that have similar square footage, bedroom and bathroom counts, lot size, and amenities. For instance, if you own a 1,500-square-foot, three-bedroom, two-bathroom home, it wouldn’t be appropriate to compare it to a 2,600-square-foot, four-bedroom, three-bathroom home. Even if both properties have similar upgrades and quality, the larger home will naturally have a higher value due to its size. Instead, focus on the highest sales of homes that closely match yours in size and features and use them as a reference for potential updates. Keep track of recent sales and active listings in your area, following the principle of substitution. This means that buyers are unlikely to pay more for your home than they would for a comparable property. If a nearly identical home nearby recently sold for a specific price, that transaction serves as a strong indicator of your home's market value.