If you are selling or refinancing, the lender will have your home appraised. It’s different from a home inspection.  A home inspector is primarily preoccupied with the internal workings of a home and looks for current problems or things that could become a problem. An appraiser is trying to determine the value of your home, comparing it to prices of similar homes in the area, and weighing the location of the home including neighborhood and proximity to schools.

The appraiser will look at the size of the lot and the condition of the home itself. An appraisal is a key to selling a home since a low valuation might force the seller to reduce the price.  A higher valuation might come in handy, however, if you are refinancing, giving you extra equity in your home and making a loan deal easier.

Some say there is no point in doing a complete house cleaning for an appraiser, but that isn’t necessarily true. A clean, well-groomed home inside and out, can help boost the evaluation of how well a house is maintained.  They look for signs of neglect such as appliances that don’t work, floors that are damaged, carpets that are torn or dirty.  Even paint can be a factor.

If you are preparing for an appraisal, do make sure your home is clean and tidy inside and out:  Mow the lawn, pull weeds, put away lawn equipment. Get rid of clutter. Remember the appraiser will take photos.  Tidy up the pool area, if you have one, as well as the bedrooms and baths. If you have pets, be sure to confine them during the appraiser’s visit, if for no other reason than to be polite. But you might also consider how the cat’s litter box will look on film.

The appraiser will also find out the age of your home and evaluate its effective age.  Doors, lights, and windows should all work. It’s best not to trail the appraiser around the house, but you could point out things like a recent renovation of a kitchen or bath. Just try to make your home appear maintained, loved, and up-to-date.

The appraiser will compare your house to others similar to yours that have recently sold, and those on the market now. If you want to know more about recent sales and current market activity, text us at 626-825-9955 or email at ddefazio@deasypenner.com. Mention this post!

Plumbid – a new and innovative way to market and sell your home!

Thanks for reading our post about preparing for an appraisal.  

On another matter, we recently sold a private view home for that amount over the list price because of the Plumbid bidding process. And buyers were solid — we made sure they were fully qualified and informed about the property before they could bid. Check here, or call or text the deFazio’s for more information at 626-825-9955. And, if you are moving to Pasadena, we can help you. With more than 50 years of combined experience, we know the territory and can find the best property for you. Visit us at Around Town Pasadena for more about Pasadena restaurants and food, great real estate, art and culture, and shopping and fashion. We post new and exciting features for you four or five times a week.