What to Expect from a Home Appraisal

Are you anxiously awaiting a home appraisal?  This part of the home-selling process can be stressful and leave many sellers anxious over what to expect.  What questions will be asked at a home appraisal?  How long will an appraisal take? An appraisal can seem like a simple process, but many homeowners have questions on what to expect in a home appraisal. 

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In this article, we will give you a breakdown of what a home appraisal is, information gathered in an appraisal, appraisal home visits, and the final step of an appraisal.  

What is a home appraisal?

Put simply, a home appraisal is when an appraiser conducts an inspection of a property in order to determine the property’s value.  But there is a bit more to it than that.  A home appraisal is a process, so be prepared to take several steps to get through it properly. 

The inspection will be thorough and detailed, making sure to inspect any details such as additions made to the property and the condition of the home.  The worth determined in an appraisal may not be the same as the listing price, making an accurate and efficient home appraisal a very important process.

Information Gathered in a Home Appraisal

Initially, your appraisal progress will most likely begin with a telephone interview with an appraiser.  At this point, it will help to have information related to upgrades you’ve done to the home such as renovations, home improvements, air conditioners, or redecorating. 

This first step is important because it will make the rest of the process go smoothly.  More detail upfront means fewer surprises later!

While the initial interview is important, do not stress too hard!  Anything big you miss can be cleared up later on in the process.  This can be done in the next step, when the appraiser visits the home.

Appraisal Home Visits

After the initial interview is processed, the next step is the in-person appraisal.  While presentation always helps, don’t stress! The appraiser is looking at the structure of the house and the condition of the home in general, not its presentability.  Go back to your notes from the phone interview. 

Are there any specific upgrades or changes to your home that the appraiser should see?  Anything you missed in the first round?  With the appraiser, there at the property, now is the time to make sure every detail is covered to assure the most accurate value is estimated.

During the home visit, it can be easy to feel anxious or paranoid about the presentation of the home.  Rely on your preparation.

It is better to have the process go well than go quickly, so it is vital to make sure every aspect that can show your home’s value is considered.  If the home visit inspires a significant change in value, this may result in a longer process.  

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