To prepare for your home appraisal inspection, focus on three things: clear the clutter so I can see the actual space, ensure access to all areas of the home, and complete any minor repairs that affect condition. I'm evaluating value, not judging your housekeeping -- but small preparation steps help me appraise accurately.
Clean and Clear
Clear the clutter. I need to see the bones of your house. If closets are packed with boxes, I can't evaluate storage. If shelves are stuffed, I can't see the shelving. Clear out clutter so I can see the actual space.
Clean, don't renovate. You don't need to repaint before an appraisal. But you do need the space clean so I can see the actual condition. Dirty or cluttered rooms make it hard to assess condition accurately.
Yard work matters. Mow the lawn. Trim overgrown bushes. The front curb appeal influences perception, and perception influences my inspection. A well-maintained yard suggests a well-maintained home.
Let Me In and Around
Accessibility. Make sure I can get to all areas—attic, basement, exterior. If a closet is locked, I need to see it. If I can't access parts of the home, that's a problem for the appraisal.
Unlock things. Gate locked? Tell the lender. Shed I can't get into? That's a note I'll have to make. Open as much as possible.
Kids and pets. I understand you have a life. But if I can't move through the space because of pets or toys, that makes my job harder. If possible, arrange for the kids and pets to be out of the way during the inspection.
Document Your Updates
Keep documentation for improvements. If you've done updates—new roof, HVAC replacement, kitchen remodel—have the paperwork ready. I can't see your new foundation from the outside. But if you have a receipt showing you replaced it, that helps me understand the property's condition.
Show recent repairs. If you recently had a termite inspection, plumbing work, or electrical upgrade, that's valuable information.
Anything unusual. If the home has been flooded in the past, if there's been foundation work, if the roof is newer than it looks—tell me. I'm going to see evidence anyway, but context helps.
What I Actually Look For
Understand what an appraisal inspection actually is. I'm checking:
- Foundation and structure — Is there foundation movement? Any evidence of settling?
- Roof — Age, condition, obvious leaks?
- HVAC systems — Are they functioning? How old?
- Plumbing and electrical — Working systems?
- Flooring and finishes — Condition of carpet, hardwood, tile?
- Walls and paint — Evidence of moisture, cracks, repairs?
- Kitchen and bathrooms — Condition and level of updating?
- Overall cleanliness and maintenance — General care level?
I'm not grading you as a housekeeper. I'm assessing whether systems function and what condition the property is in.
What NOT to Worry About
Perfect condition isn't required. Homes are lived in. They show wear. Older homes have older systems. That's normal and expected.
Decor doesn't matter. Your paint colors, furniture, art—I don't care. That's not appraisal value.
Minor cosmetic issues are fine. A carpet that's worn is fine. You don't need to replace it before an appraisal. Paint can be faded. Not a big deal.
Minor repairs can wait. A loose door handle, a cracked pane, a small drywall patch—these are minor. They won't kill your appraisal.
What DOES Affect Appraisal Value
These are the things that actually matter for appraisal:
- Major systems functionality — HVAC, plumbing, electrical
- Structural integrity — No foundation movement
- Roof condition — Major repairs or replacement needed?
- Significant deferred maintenance — Broken windows, rotten siding, obviously neglected systems
- Actual updates — New kitchen, new bathrooms, new flooring are valuable
- Square footage — This is huge and unchangeable
- Overall condition — Does this home look cared for or neglected?
The Day Before
The night before your appraisal:
- Tidy up—make sure surfaces are clear
- Do a quick vacuum/sweep
- Make sure all bathrooms are clean
- Ensure exterior is walkable (no trip hazards)
- Have any documentation ready
During the Appraisal
Be available but not hovering. I prefer to do my inspection without a homeowner following me around, but I understand you want to be there. If you are, just let me work. I'll ask questions if I need information.
Don't talk me up or down. Don't say "We just put in new HVAC, so it's worth more." Let me find the evidence. Don't highlight problems hoping I'll ignore them. I'm looking for accuracy, not justification.
Answer questions honestly. If I ask how old the roof is, give me an honest answer. If you don't know, say so. Inaccurate information can lead to inaccurate appraisals.
Bottom Line
Preparation for an appraisal is simple: make your home clean and accessible, clear enough that I can see the actual spaces, and let me do my job.
I'm not looking to hurt your appraisal. I'm looking to accurately reflect what your home is actually worth. The best thing you can do is get your home in a state where I can see that value clearly.
That's all the prep you really need.