When you’re selling a home in North Florida, regardless of whether it comes with land or it’s on a small plot, your buyer’s lender will most likely send out an appraiser to determine exactly how much it’s worth. That’s true even if the land is worth more than the home itself. But should you stage your home and make sure it’s in its most attractive state before the appraiser arrives? Many experts say yes, and this guide explains.
Related: Should You Hire a Home Inspector Before You Sell?
Should You Spruce Up Your House Before the Appraiser Arrives?
Though you don’t need to go overboard with it, making sure your home looks as tidy and welcoming as possible could give the appraiser a favorable impression of your property. Here are a few tips for sprucing up your house before an appraisal:
- Clear away any clutter or junk that has accumulated in your home, particularly in areas like closets, cupboards and other storage spaces. The appraiser will be looking for signs of disorganization or neglect that could indicate a decrease in the value of the property.
- Clean up any messes inside and outside the house. Sweep floors, dust, mop and vacuum carpets, wash windows and clean up the yard. This kind of attention to detail can make a big difference in how favorable an appraisal may be.
- If there are any minor repairs or renovations that need to be done, take care of them before the appraiser arrives. Fixing small problems now could save you time and money down the road when it comes time to negotiate the sale of your house.
- Make sure the rooms in your home look as inviting as possible. Rearrange furniture, hang pictures and artwork, put out fresh flowers or plants, and do whatever else you can to make the space look more inviting.
When it comes to appraisals, presentation matters. Investing a little bit of time into sprucing up your house before the appraiser arrives can help ensure that you get the most favorable appraisal possible. Doing so could even earn you more money in the long run, since a better appraisal may result in a higher sale price for your home.
Related: Should You Buy a Farm This Spring?
Are You Buying a Home or Land for Sale in Lake City?
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