You just secured the Right Sales Price for your home with a buyer and you’re in contract! Now, the buyer’s lender needs to determine if your property is
worth that price. Typically, this is done by an appraisal. So, what are some tips you
can do to maximize your home’s value before an appraisal and ensure you appraise for that sales price?
Hi, I’m Tanja Odzak, eXp Realty. I love helping people. I’m a Senior Level Realtor and I help people sell and buy homes right here in the East Bay!
First off, it is important to know what an appraisal is and how it can make or break a sale. An appraisal is a report ordered by a buyer’s lender to determine the value of a property based on its characteristics and neighboring comparable sales. The lender wants to ensure that the property is worth the amount the buyer is financing.
The appraisal is usually a contingency that is put in place by the buyer to acquire their financing from a mortgage lender. So what are some tips you can do to enhance your
home value before an appraiser assesses your property?
Number one rule: *first impressions matter* and you want to showcase your property at its best from the exterior to the interior.
First off is curb appeal. Curb appeal is your first chance to make that first impression with the appraiser. You can enhance your property by laying new mulch, planting fresh flowers, mowing your lawn, and trimming overgrown bushes. You may even want to touch up some exterior paint or power wash.
After working on the exterior, you want to make sure that your interior is just as appealing. Because an appraiser is going to look at measurements, upgrades and overall condition of the home and not necessarily worry about the “lived-in” look, it is best practice to make their job more accessible. Having a bright and clean home will help the appraiser get a better idea of the home’s condition. Important rooms to declutter are bedrooms, bathrooms, and the kitchen.
Maybe you need to make some minor repairs. Although an appraiser is not going
to do a complete home inspection, they are going to make sure smoke detectors
are installed, water heaters are braced and appliances are working properly.
They will look at the overall maintenance of the property, so be on the lookout for
leaks or visible electrical issues.
Finally, they are going to look at the neighborhood comparable sales. They are going to evaluate what homes have sold recently compared to your characteristics to determine the final value.
Bottomline, the appraisal doesn’t have to be worrisome if your home is ready and
worth the price! If you would like more information of recently sold comparables
in your neighborhood, call me and I’ll prepare a free home valuation report for you.
As a knowledgeable Senior Level Realtor, I’ll help you navigate the market conditions and work with you to make an informed decision… then make it happen for you! whether that’s selling or buying or both!
And if you or someone you know needs to sell a home, ask me about my home-selling plans… I took the pain out of negotiating with a Realtor and made it SUPER simple. Really! Choose Silver, Gold, or Platinum- Pick your Plan and Pick your Price. Terms do apply. I’m Tanja and I sell homes. Let’s get you going, Call me today!
I’m a Top Producing Realtor® in the OAKLAND / BERKELEY / EAST BAY AREA. I’ve been in the San Francisco East Bay Area since I came up to do my undergrad at UC Berkeley (a long time ago!), with a short stint at UC Davis while getting my Master’s. I take my duties as a Realtor® and Fiduciary very seriously, I enjoy educating my sellers and buyers along the way. Putting People, Before Profit.
Why not check out one of my no-obligation, online, On-Demand, virtual Real Estate Seminars?
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