Hot weather conditions, such as it is in Florida, can lead to faster deterioration of housing and the foundations they sit on. Heat causes ground shrinkage that can split concrete and unsettle the foundation, not to mention the wear and tear on air conditioning units from overuse. Fortunately, there are ways of delaying long-term damage particularly if a person is having a home appraisal done. Home appraisals are required in order to sell or even refinance for that matter. With that being said, it is essential to prepare your home ahead of time. Expert appraisers will tell you that there are a few things one can do to maximize the value of a home.
One of the first things to consider is finding an appraiser that’s been in the industry for a long time, has a good comprehension of the territory and is state certified. An appraiser with these attributes will be able to better detect market trends and changes. Curb appeal is also a significant factor in attaining home worth. Clean up any clutter, trash, weeds and any dead or browning plants. You want the yard to be as green and vibrant as possible. Cutting the grass right before is a great trick as it will not only be more pleasing to the eye but also have that just cut smell. Nice landscaping will lead to a positive and significant lasting impression.
Another great tip is to make sure all appliances, doors, doorknobs, windows, screens, carpet, light switches and fixtures, plumbing and other items are in good working condition. This should be done even if you have to hire a service repairman. It is worth the effort to fix any chipped or peeling paint. Leaky faucets should also be repaired. Damaged items will dramatically devalue your property because the appraiser will compare it to houses that are actually more aged than yours is. Having a list of repairs and replacements you have made throughout the years is helpful. List the costs next to the repair or have receipts attached. Provide the appraiser with any land surveys as well.
Ensure all areas of the home are accessible especially the attic and crawl spaces. Property value is determined through a complex analysis of information including size, condition, comparable sales of other homes in the area, location and how close the home is to vendors and other resources. Appraisers are generally unbiased, but it can’t hurt to make their visit a pleasant one. The temperature of your house should be comfortable, all pets should be secure, and the house should be clean and organized. Performing these tasks ahead of time will increase your chances of a higher home assessment value.