Make These Settings Before Rating Your Home to Get a Higher Rating.
The process of selling your home … well … it’s a process. There are many documents, as well as numerous screenings, visits and checks. One of these steps is home appraisal, which is the last opportunity for the seller to take action to ensure that their home gets the highest possible appraisal.
But why is this important? According to Hannah Tan in an article for Redfin , this is because “most of the offers you get will depend on whether the buyer gets financing from the mortgage lender.” In other words, “the higher your home score is, the smoother the transition to selling your home will be,” she explains.
And while this is usually not the time for major structural changes or renovations, Tan says there are a few relatively simple things homeowners can do to have the best chance of getting the highest score possible. Here’s what you need to know.
Get rid of unnecessary things as much as possible
Home appraisers don’t expect your home to be empty or completely finished, and shouldn’t be confused because the rooms look habitable, Tan notes that clutter can make their job difficult. Rappers need to photograph and measure your space, which is harder to do with things all over the place.
Pay attention to curbing attraction
You won’t have time to completely remodel the entire facade of your house and yard, but you can quickly freshen it up. Take a photo of the facade of your house and then look at it objectively (or ask a trusted and honest friend to do the same) and see if there are any small projects that could make a big difference.
Here are some suggestions from Tan :
- Laying new mulch
- Planting fresh flowers
- Lawn mowing
- Raking the leaves
- Pruning overgrown bushes
- Clearing sidewalks and driveways
List the latest improvements and updates
This is not just a tweak in itself, but before evaluating your home, Tan suggests making a list of everything you’ve done relatively recently to improve and update your home. This can be things like replacing a roof, purchasing new large household appliances (which you will not take with you when you leave), renovating a kitchen or bathroom, decorating or waterproofing a basement, or any updates made to your heating, ventilation system. and air conditioning.
In addition to preparing this list, Tan also recommends that you have copies of all receipts and other supporting documentation that you have indeed made these improvements. “This will help the appraiser see the additional value you’ve added to the home and can help them justify the final appraised value of the property,” she adds.