Just a few years ago, when the the home appraiser showed up to appraise a seller’s home, many sellers and realtors alike were more than just a little nervous. With banks tightening lending requirements and a flood of foreclosures and short sales on the market, many home appraisers were writing up appraisals that were under the selling price of the home.
Many realtors had to get creative and be proactive when dealing with the appraiser. One realtor in Seattle removed the key from the lockbox, forcing the home appraiser to call him in order to gain access to the property. When the realtor met the appraiser, he came armed with a handful of comps so that he could personally show the appraiser the value of the property with factual evidence that the appraiser may not have had access to on his own.
Well, now, appraisers are valuing properties at a higher dollar amount. Many experts think this is one of the strongest signs that the market is moving forward and gaining momentum.
If you’re thinking about selling your home, you still have to be proactive in showing it in the most positive light. Appraisers are human and even though they need to approach their work from an objective perspective, they are prone to making subconscious judgements, just like the rest of us. Prepare for your home appraisal by making sure that your house is clean, the clutter is removed and that you touch up paint, fix what needs to be fixed and do whatever else you need to do to make your house look its best.
Ken Bryant, Real Estate Broker 