![]() ![]() ![]() It might sound like a no-brainer, but cleaning for an appraisal is so important that it bears repeating. “Have the house clean and clutter-free,” says Kevin Lawnton, a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Schiavone & Associates in Bordentown, NJ. Since appraisers often work closely with municipal officials to verify recorded information, mentioning these upgrades might bring them to light and could cause more trouble than they’re worth. Note: It’s in your best interest to overlook any improvements done without proper permitting. Functional and structural improvements like a new roof or HVAC system should also make the list. The highlight sheet shouldn’t just include aesthetic improvements like upgraded kitchens and bathrooms. Be sure to include approximate dates, permits, and warranties for these projects, as well. Your best bet is to sit down-either with your agent or independently-and draw up a list of all the improvements that have been made to your home within the past decade. Highlight sheets end up being very valuable tools, because they allow the appraiser to see all the added value in your home with just one glance. ![]() “I work with the seller to prepare a highlight sheet, just a simple one-page document outlining all the upgrades that have been done to the home,” says Ryan Hardy, a real estate agent with Gold Coast Realty Chicago. Unfortunately, there aren’t any guarantees on how much value projects like these will add to your home, so sometimes they aren’t worth the money you’d put in. While giving a room a fresh coat of paint or adding some curb appeal is probably fine, it’s not the best idea to finish your basement right before an appraisal. While it might cost a bit more upfront, hiring a professional to do the work frees you of any liability and allows you to show an invoice as proof, if need be.Īnd remember, these should be smaller home maintenance tasks, not big renovations. However, for bigger jobs like plumbing and electrical work, your best bet is to hire a certified professional. Go ahead and do small projects like fixing squeaky doors and cleaning out the gutters on your own. You guessed it: One of the most critical to-do’s is to complete any outstanding home maintenance tasks. As you go around the home, put everything down on one list so that you can easily refer to it later. While you’re at it, you should check for things like leaky sinks, running toilets, and nail pops. You need to show that the property has been well-maintained.” “Make sure all lights are working and all doors open and close properly, and make sure there are no leaks anywhere. “Go through the house very carefully to make sure everything works correctly,” says Daniel Gyomory of Century 21 Town & Country in Northville, MI. ![]()
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