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Prepare to Have Your House Appraised
Before obtaining the services of an appraiser to have your house appraised for the purposes of selling your own home, make sure they are licensed, experienced and knowledgeable in the area of property you want appraised. Also make sure they don't skimp on data sources just to save money; a qualified house appraiser should use up to date sources to insure the appraisal will be as accurate as possible.
Make any necessary minor home improvements. This includes leaky faucets, missing door handles, missing kitchen cupboard and drawer knobs or handles, missing or damaged trim work, broken light fixtures or light switches, cracked windows, torn screens, etc.
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It would be worth while to install smoke detectors on all floors, especially near bedrooms. Repaint surfaces that haven't been painted since 1978 - since many paints before at time were contaminated with lead. Also make sure all stairways, inside and out, have sturdy handrails. These measures increase the safety status of your home.
If carpet visibly needs cleaning, acquire the services of a professional carpet cleaner. Steam/hot water is best for the most through cleaning possible. Unless carpet is Berber or sculptured, have the professional carpet cleaner groom the carpet after cleaning so that fibers in the traffic area dry in an upright position, enhancing carpet's appearance.
When setting up an appointment to have your house appraised, ask the appraiser if there are certain things that should be done before they arrive.
When getting ready to have your house appraised, have the following documents ready:
1.) Any written property agreements. This might include a maintenance agreement for shared property, such as a drive way, hedge divider, etc.
2.) Your home inspection report, which should be done before acquiring the services of a house appraiser.
3.) Any other important reports that relate to your property, such as water/soil analysis, reports for termites, septic systems, etc.
4.) A "brag sheet" that lists all notable home improvements, including the when the improvement was made and cost. Include such home improvements as interior, exterior painting, paneling, siding, the addition of central air conditioning, a new roof or roof repairs, remodeling of rooms, finishing off a basement or attic, permanent lighting, light fixtures, etc.
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