"Essential Dos and Don'ts Before Your Real Estate Appraiser Visit: A Guide for Property Owners

Here are some dos and don'ts to consider before a real estate appraiser arrives at your doorstep:

Dos:

Prepare the Property: Ensure that your property is clean, well-maintained, and free of clutter. Make any necessary repairs or improvements that can positively impact the appraisal value.

Provide Access: Ensure that the appraiser has easy access to all areas of the property, including basements, attics, and outbuildings. Unlock doors and gates as needed.

Have Documentation Ready: Gather relevant documents such as property records, recent improvements, maintenance records, and any other information that can support the value of your property.

Be Honest: Answer any questions the appraiser may have truthfully and provide accurate information about the property.

Ask Questions: If you have any questions or concerns about the appraisal process, feel free to ask the appraiser for clarification or explanations.

Don'ts:

Conceal Information: Avoid hiding any relevant information about the property, such as defects or issues that could affect its value.

Interfere with the Appraisal: Allow the appraiser to conduct their assessment without interference. Avoid following them around or trying to influence their judgment.

Overstate Improvements: While it's essential to highlight recent improvements, avoid exaggerating their impact on the property's value.

Pressure the Appraiser: Refrain from pressuring the appraiser to meet a specific value or outcome. Let them conduct their assessment independently and objectively. However, homeowners can challenge the value estimate. A post on how to handle value reconsideration will follow later.

Neglect Maintenance: Don't overlook basic maintenance tasks such as cleaning, landscaping, or repairs, as these can impact the overall impression of your property.

Following these dos and don'ts can help ensure a smooth and accurate appraisal process, leading to a fair assessment of your property's value.

Thank you.