If you’re considering selling your home, the first thing you will need to know is it’s market value. That’s where an appraisal comes into play.
Inspections and real estate agents may play a role in your home selling price, but your home appraisal value has the biggest impact.
During an appraisal, a state-certified appraiser will come to your home and evaluate its value, without bias.
At Golden Eagle Mortgage we know that the home selling process can be tricky to navigate, so today we will share what you can expect when you get a home appraisal in San Jose.
What Is The Home Appraiser Looking For?
Although it may vary some from state to state, most appraisers are looking for specific things when they appraise your home and property.
Typically the appraiser will evaluate the following:
- The condition of both the exterior and interior of the house
- The size of the property
- The square footage of the home
- The number of bathrooms and bedrooms
- The property/home location
- The property/home amenities
- The upgrades or issues since the last sale of the home
These factors will be compared with other homes in the area and are then used in an evaluation of your homes market value.
How Long Does The Typical Home Appraisal Process Take?
The physical appraisal can take from 20 minutes up to a couple of hours, depending on the size of the property.
During this, the appraiser will walk the property and the inside of the house taking notes and pictures.
When the physical appraisal is complete, it may take a week, or even two for the appraiser to create a thorough report determining the value of your home.
How Can You Prepare For Your Home To Be Appraised?
If you are planning to sell your home soon, there are things you can do now to get ready for the home appraisal and the sale.
“Maximize your home value ahead of time, so your home appraises as high as it can. This may include significant work such as home renovations, or simple tasks like the ones listed in the checklists below:
- Ensure your landscaping is on point as “curb appeal” is considered during an appraisal
- Repairing damaged drywall or painting rooms can factor into your valuation
- Make sure every light switch, wall outlet, fan or vent works
- Document recent home improvements with estimated prices and dates
- Provide copies of previous appraisals
- Make sure all rooms of the house are accessible
- Be flexible and coordinate the appointment around the appraiser’s schedule
- Let the appraiser do the inspection without distraction.”
Preparing can make a big difference in your home’s evaluation.
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