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5 THINGSAPPRAISERS WISHSELLERS DID &KNEW ABOUTHOME APPRAISALS.HERE ARE SOME THINGS TO KNOW AND DO—STRAIGHT FROM THE HOME APPRAISERS’MOUTHS.

“Some sellers think we know the value of the property as soon as we see it,”says Michael Coyle, the founder of The Coyle Group in Lafayette Hill, PA.That’s simply not the case. A good understanding of the home appraisalprocess will go a long way toward comprehending how your home’s value isdetermined.Realtors should prep their client for the appraisal process and provide anyrelevant data to the appraiser.

No, the home appraiser isn’t coming by to judge the cleanliness of yourhomestead — but it’s still good form to declutter, dust, and mop beforehandto show your home in its best light, according to appraiser Adam Wiener, thefounder of Aladdin Appraisal in Auburndale, MA.Home appraisals won’t typically devalue your home because it’s messy —but a neat, organized home might help you.“Even if they’re not consciously aware of it, the appraiser might value (amessy home) a little lower,” Wiener says.

We’re sure your brand-new kitchen is stunning — but don’t be surprised if itdoesn’t proportionally raise your home’s market value when it comes to thehome appraisals. Home appraisers stress moderation in assuming how much your shiny,brand-new kitchen will add directly to the worth of your house. If you spent$50,000, you’re likely to see only a fraction of that returned in value. Thatgoes double for a new pool, which “does not bring as much value as peoplethink,” Coyle says. (This might vary if you live in a hot climate where poolsare near expected.)

Before listing, make sure you and your agent take a realistic look at whatyour home actually offers. Are you including the basement square footage inthe total? Are you hoping no one will notice your roof isn’t new? Preparingyourself ahead of time with a pragmatic estimate will ease the appraisalprocess.And above all else, make sure not to fudge the numbers.

WANT $50 OFF YOUR NEXTAPPRAISAL? VISIT THE LINK BELOW TOSECURE YOUR COUPON James HendersonFounder of Home Appraiser