By Eagle Home Appraisal Birmingham
Published · Updated
Best Way to Get Your House Appraised
Begin with why you need the value and who will use it. Then agree on an appropriate scope and prepare the property information requested by the appraiser.
Choose the Right Appraisal Method
- Professional appraisal: Ask a qualified appraiser about the scope needed for a formal value opinion. For a loan assignment, confirm the lender’s process first.
- Agent pricing analysis: A real estate professional may prepare a market analysis for a listing discussion. Ask what information it uses and what purpose it serves.
- Online estimate: An automated estimate may be a starting point, but its data and assumptions may differ from an appraisal. Confirm the recipient’s requirements.
Prepare Your Home
Prepare information and access:
- Clear access: Tidy enough to make requested areas accessible and visible.
- Minor Repairs and Maintenance: Fix leaky faucets, chipped paint, squeaky doors, and any visible damage. Address deferred maintenance issues.
- Exterior access: Clear requested walkways and explain any access limitations.
- Showcase Upgrades: Prepare a list of all improvements and upgrades (with receipts if possible) to show the appraiser.
- Organize Documentation: Gather previous appraisals, property tax records, surveys, and information on recent comparable sales (“comps”) in your area.
Research Comparable Sales (“Comps”)
- Look up recent sales of similar homes in your neighborhood. This helps you understand your home’s likely value and provides data to share with the appraiser.
Be Present and Helpful (If Allowed)
- Agree on attendance and access before the visit. Be available for property questions and provide a written improvement list if useful.
After the Appraisal
- Review the report for factual accuracy. If you identify an error or omission, gather supporting records and ask how to submit them through the agreed process.
Quick Checklist
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Choose the scope | Confirm purpose, recipient requirements and provider qualifications |
| Arrange access | Clear requested areas and identify an access contact |
| Document condition | Explain known issues and completed repairs |
| Gather records | Improvements, receipts, plans, relevant sales and prior reports |
| Be available | Agree how property questions can be answered |
| Review the report | Raise specific factual questions with supporting records |
Key Tips
- Confirm what the intended recipient needs before relying on an estimate or ordering a report.
- Choose a provider with current qualifications and relevant property and market experience.
- Know your local market by researching recent sales of similar homes.
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