Appraisals Today.

This seems to be a very hot topic these days- in and out of the office. Appraisals are an important part of the process of purchasing or selling a home. It isn’t only today’s real estate environment (lack of comparables) but the government trying to correct the abuses in the appraisal system.

Some ways that might help get a better appraisal:

1. Your agent should meet the appraiser at the house.
2. Your agent can give the appraiser comparable sales for the property. The listing agent possible could provide the comparables used to price the home.
3. Compile a complete list of upgrades and improvements made to the home during your ownership. Include maintained items as well as cosmetic. Be specific about upgrades (“hardwood” vs. “laminate” or “granite vs. corian).
4. Give the appraiser copies of marketing materials.

Bottom line, the more educated the appraiser is about your property, the better the chance of the house appraising.