You found a buyer for your Lake Havasu home. Congratulations! Now, you enter escrow. A home inspection and/or appraisal usually get done during this time. Unless your buyer pays for the home with all cash, they probably need a home loan. Banks require an appraisal as part of the home loan process. They will not approve a loan for more than its appraised value. But even if the buyer pays with all cash, they may still want an appraisal done. Therefore, you need to make sure your property is in tip-top shape before the appraiser comes. Use this home appraisal prep list to ensure that your home looks its best.
Home Appraisal Prep List
Fix It
We all grow used to how certain things operate in our Havasu homes over time. The front doorknob rattles. You need to lift the sliding glass door handle slightly in order to open it. The faucet drips from time to time. While you overlook these things, an appraiser will not. Don’t forget to fix any problem areas around your home.
A Little Spackle Goes a Long Way
Repair any holes (including from nails), spackle them, and add a coat of paint before the appraiser comes. This has no effect on the value of your home. However, it may stop an appraiser from noticing any damage, which may lower his opinion of your home’s value. And his opinion factors into the overall value.
Add a Fresh Coat of Paint
Since you painted over your spackled holes, why not add a fresh coat of paint everywhere? This helps brighten up each room. Do not skip the trim both inside and out. They receive a lot of wear and tear, especially with kids and pets. When scrubbing isn’t enough to make them look good, add a new coat of paint.
Use Some Elbow Grease
Homes always look better when they look clean. Therefore, before the home appraisal, start scrubbing. That means windows, window sills, floors, countertops, appliances, etc. Puppy paws and dirty shoes bring dirt and odors with them. Pay particular attention to soft surfaces such as couches, chairs, and drapes. They hold odors that you may have simply grown accustomed to. If possible, you might want to splurge on a professional cleaning service to come in and take care of the cleaning from top to bottom.
You want your home to appraise for at least the agreed-upon selling price. To do so may involve a little work on your part. Follow these home appraisal prep list guidelines and your home will pass with flying colors.
Sunstone Real Estate Group at Coldwell Banker Realty, Lake Havasu City, AZ