How to Prepare Your Home for an Appraisal in Chicago

If you are reading this blog, you probably have a home appraisal coming up, or you may be thinking about getting one. In either case, this blog will give you some expert tips on how to prepare for a home appraisal. Proper preparation will ensure that your appraisal process is smooth and quick.

Having worked on thousands of home appraisals in Chicago for over a decade, we know exactly what it means to be prepared for a home appraisal.

Understand The Chicago Home Appraisal Process

The first thing that will ensure you are well prepared for a home appraisal is understanding the process. Although the general process for a home appraisal is the same everywhere, there are some differences that vary by location. If you live in Chicago, you would want to know about the specific process that applies to Chicago homes and neighborhoods.

Covering the entire appraisal process is out of the scope of this blog, but you can educate yourself using several resources freely available on the internet. You can read about tips shared by expert home appraisers or even watch videos on YouTube.

Staying informed about the process will help you make better decisions. You should have the basic knowledge about how the process works: the appraiser visits your home, surveys everything, and goes back to the office with information gathered. They then prepare a report based on the condition of your home, recent improvements, market trends, and comparable sales in your area.

Deep Clean & Declutter

A clean and decluttered home is sure to impress the appraiser. It won’t increase the value of your home, but it will make things much easier for the appraiser. They will be able to focus on things that matter and avoid distractions.

Make sure to clean the floors, furniture, appliances, and even walls if necessary. Pay special attention to high traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms as those are usually the first things the appraiser will at.

Document Upgrades and Improvements

Having all the information about the recent upgrades and improvements you have done to the home will make things a lot easier for you and your appraiser. This is a major factor that will influence how long your appraisal process takes. Proper documentation will ensure a quick report preparation time. If you leave the documentation to the appraiser, it may take much longer.

We recommend that you sit down with your family, preferably a few days before the appraisal is scheduled, to note down any minor or major improvements done to the home. List down everything from a remodeled bathroom to new appliances to new light switches. The list should include the description of the upgrade, how much it cost you, and the date it was done.

By starting this process early, you will reduce the chances of missing anything. Also, if you choose to prepare your list digitally, make sure to have a printed copy ready before the appraiser arrives.

Boost Curb Appeal

First impressions matter! Cleaning up the exterior of your home will boost the curb appeal of your home and help put a good impression on your appraiser.

Make sure the lawn is mowed, bushes are trimmed, driveway and walkways are cleaned, and plants are in their best condition. If it’s winter and you live in Chicago, you may also have snow in front of your home. Make sure the snow is cleaned and everything looks neat.

Complete Minor Repairs

Any pending repairs will cause your appraised value to come down. Make sure that you complete any minor repairs like leaky faucets, cracked tiles, loose handrails, and peeling paint. The fewer repairs the appraiser needs to point out, the better. This will ensure your home is in its top condition to be appraised.

Additional Tips

Before the appraiser arrives, make sure to secure any pets so they don’t bother. Turn on the lights and ensure all areas of your home are easily accessible. Remove any obstructions in front of any doors inside or outside of your home.

Be available to answer any questions the appraiser may have, but avoid hovering around them as some appraisers may find it irritating.

Conclusion

We hope this information will help you stay prepared for your next appraisal and ensure a smooth process. If you have any questions about anything related to home appraisals, please feel free to reach out to us. If you are looking for a home appraisal company in Chicago, be sure to give us a try!