If you want to maximize your home appraisal every leaky window, every dangling gutter and every ugly cabinet can make a big difference in the price of your home. While we all have a natural tendency to nest in the places we live, the reality is that many of the changes we make (or don't make) can make or break our home's asking price.
What to do -- and what not to do -- before and after a home appraisal?
When remodeling, DO tackle all the major features in each room.
KITCHEN
DO have:
An open layout.
Newer, matching appliances; stainless steel.
Extra perks like small-beverage refrigerators, dual dishwashers, instant hot water, and a central vacuum clean-out.
Granite countertops.
Custom cabinetry.
DON'T try to fix outdated cabinetry or countertops. These need to be replaced if you want to add value -- new hardware won't be enough to fix them.
BATHROOM
DO have:
New fixtures and mirrors.
A freshly painted tub, if necessary.
Natural light.
Good ventilation.
New or refaced cabinetry.
DON'T let your bathroom feel dark or have any outdated colours or materials.
BEFORE YOUR APPRAISAL
DO make a list of recent improvements to your home. Think big and small here -- this can range from renovating the kitchen to painting your deck. Make sure your appraiser has a list when comparing your home to others in the area.
DO talk to your appraiser before the inspection. Discuss your house and its history. Find out the appraiser's history, number of years in business, and knowledge of the area. The key in getting a fair appraisal is to have an appraiser that is experienced and knowledgeable in the local market, and that you've checked out.
DO ask your agent to do a walk-through with the appraiser. The agent can point out all of the work that the seller has done and make sure that the appraiser is familiar with all of the comparables in the area. The agent will remind him of how the location makes a difference in the comparables.
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