How to prepare for a home appraisal as a seller

December 24, 2025

How to prepare for a home appraisal as a seller featured image

As you set off on your home selling journey, it’s crucial to prepare for your home to be appraised. Yes, you know
your home is valuable and has much to offer, however an appraiser can give an official report on the value of your
home to lenders and potential buyers. 

Knowing what to expect and how to prepare ahead of time can skyrocket your chances of having a positive appraisal
experience. 

What is a home appraisal? 

Before you can prepare your home for a professional appraisal, it’s essential to get an understanding of what an
appraisal is. 

During a home appraisal, a professional appraiser thoroughly evaluates your property from top to bottom. They examine
the structure of the home, floor plan, amenities and note any aspects of the property that can decrease the value of
the home. 

Tidy up & boost curb appeal 

To make sure a home appraiser gets a positive picture of what your home is worth, prepare your property ahead of time
for the best results. 

This can include but is not limited to making needed repairs such as repainting areas in need of refreshing, fixing
old floor tiles, repairing door hinges and more. 

Increase the appeal of the exterior of your home by cleaning up old items left outside and raking the yard to get rid
of leaves and other debris. Planting beautiful flowers, making repairs to your driveway and repainting the home
exterior boosts curb appeal which in turn can lead to a better appraisal. 

Be present during the appraisal 

It’s beneficial as a home seller to be present during the appraisal process as no one knows the property better than
you. You can answer any questions about recent upgrades and point out unique features boosting the value of your
home. 

However, it’s essential to remember home appraisers are certified professionals, so respecting their space and craft
can help the process to go more smoothly. 

As a home seller, consider taking the time to prepare your home ahead of time and being a great source of information
when your home appraiser comes. This can have a positive impact on the final result of your home appraisal.