[Home Appraisal](/blog/appraisal-process-explained) Preparation Tips: How to Maximize Your Home's Appraised Value

A home appraisal is one of the most consequential moments in a real estate transaction — yet most homeowners approach it passively, assuming there's nothing they can do to influence the outcome. That's a costly misconception.

While appraisers are independent professionals bound by ethical standards (they're not supposed to be swayed by homeowner pressure), the condition, presentation, and information you provide absolutely affect the final value. A well-prepared home in excellent condition, supported by compelling comps data, can come in $20,000–$50,000+ higher than the same home unprepared.

Here are 12 proven strategies to maximize your home's appraised value — whether you're refinancing, applying for a HELOC, or selling.

Why Appraisals Matter More Than You Think

Appraisals affect you in several scenarios:

• Home purchase: If the appraisal comes in below the purchase price, the buyer's lender won't finance the full amount — potentially killing the deal
• Refinancing: A low appraisal can prevent you from accessing the equity you need
• HELOC applications: Lenders use the appraised value to determine your maximum credit line
• [PMI cancellation](/blog/mortgage-pmi-removal-guide): A higher appraisal can prove you've crossed the 20% equity threshold sooner

The difference between a $420,000 and $445,000 appraisal isn't just the number — it can be the difference between getting your HELOC approved, accessing an extra $20,000 in equity, or locking in a better refinance rate.

Understanding How Appraisers Work

Licensed appraisers use three main approaches to estimate value:

1. Sales Comparison Approach — The most common for residential homes. The appraiser identifies 3–6 comparable homes ("comps") that sold recently nearby and adjusts your home's value up or down based on differences in features, size, condition, and location.

2. Cost Approach — Estimates the land value plus what it would cost to rebuild the home today, minus depreciation. More common for unique or newer properties.

3. Income Approach — Used for investment properties, based on rental income potential.

For most single-family homes, the sales comparison approach dominates. This means your immediate neighborhood's recent sales are the ceiling and floor for your value — but preparation can move you toward the top of that range.

Tip 1: Deep Clean Everything — And I Mean Everything

Appraisers won't explicitly dock value for dirty floors, but cleanliness signals maintenance. A home that feels well-maintained gets the benefit of the doubt on subjective condition adjustments. A grimy home triggers the appraiser's skepticism about what else might be neglected.

Prioritize:

• Clean all surfaces, including inside cabinets and closets
• Steam-clean carpets or replace if heavily stained
• Clean grout lines in bathrooms and kitchen
• Wash all windows inside and out
• Remove odors (pets, smoke, must) — air out the home 48+ hours before the appraisal

Tip 2: Handle Minor Repairs Before the Appraisal

Appraisers note "deferred maintenance" — visible repairs that have been neglected. Each noted deficiency can reduce the condition rating, which lowers value. Common quick fixes:

• Patch and touch up paint on walls, trim, and ceilings
• Fix dripping faucets and running toilets
• Replace cracked outlet covers and broken light switches
• Fix sticking doors and windows
• Caulk gaps in bathrooms and kitchen
• Replace burned-out light bulbs

The cost of these fixes is minimal — typically under $500 — but the value impact can be 10x or more.

Tip 3: Don't Neglect Curb Appeal

The appraiser's first impression begins in the driveway. A well-maintained exterior signals overall property quality.

Quick exterior wins:

• Mow, edge, and blow the lawn
• Trim overgrown shrubs and trees
• Power-wash the driveway, walkways, and exterior siding
• Plant fresh seasonal flowers near the entrance
• Touch up exterior paint where peeling or fading
• Clean gutters and ensure downspouts are attached

Studies show [curb appeal improvements](/blog/curb-appeal-improvements) can add 3%–10% to appraised value in some markets. See our curb appeal improvements guide for the highest-ROI projects.

Tip 4: Prepare a "Comp Sheet" for the Appraiser

Appraisers use MLS data to identify comparable sales, but they work under time pressure and may not catch every relevant comp. You can legally and ethically provide them with information — including a list of recent sales you believe support a higher value.

What to include in your comp sheet:

• Address, sale price, and date of sale for 3–6 nearby homes
• Brief notes on similarities to your home (size, bedroom count, lot size)
• Upgrades your home has that the comps lacked

Sources for finding comps:

• Zillow and Redfin's recently sold filters
• Your local county assessor's public records
• A real estate agent who can pull MLS data

You're not trying to manipulate the appraiser — you're providing helpful context. Most appraisers appreciate relevant data and will consider it.

Tip 5: Document Every Upgrade and Improvement

Don't assume the appraiser will notice your $30,000 kitchen renovation or the new HVAC system you installed two years ago. Prepare a written list of improvements with approximate costs and dates.

Include:

• Kitchen and bathroom renovations (cost, year completed)
• HVAC system replacement (age, brand, SEER rating)
• Roof replacement (age, material, contractor)
• New windows or doors
• Additions or conversions (ADU, finished basement, added bathroom)
• Smart home systems
• Solar panel installation

Provide this as a single-page typed document. Keep it factual and professional — this is supporting evidence, not a sales pitch.

Tip 6: Know Your Square Footage — And Correct Errors

Incorrect square footage is one of the most common sources of appraisal inaccuracy. Public records are often wrong, particularly for older homes or homes with unpermitted additions.

Before the appraisal:

• Measure your home's gross living area yourself
• Check public records and tax assessor data for your home's listed square footage
• Correct any errors by notifying the appraiser before they measure

A difference of just 100 square feet at $150/sq ft = $15,000 in value. This is worth verifying.

Important: Only finished, heated/cooled space counts as "living area." Garages, unfinished basements, and porches are measured separately.

Tip 7: Make Key Rooms Shine

While you want the whole home clean, appraisers pay particular attention to kitchens and bathrooms — the rooms most directly tied to value. Focus extra preparation energy here.

Kitchen priorities:

• Clear and clean all countertops (decluttered kitchens feel larger)
• Ensure all appliances work (especially the dishwasher and garbage disposal)
• If a renovation isn't feasible, deep clean appliances and re-caulk the sink

Bathroom priorities:

• Address any mold or water damage immediately (these are red flags for appraisers)
• Re-caulk around the tub and shower
• Replace dated hardware if budget allows
• Ensure all fixtures work — no dripping faucets

Tip 8: Highlight Upgrades That Aren't Obvious

Some improvements are invisible to a casual walkthrough but significant in value:

• New [electrical panel upgrade](/blog/electrical-panel-upgrade-guide) (from 100 to 200 amps)
• Updated plumbing (replacement of galvanized or lead pipes)
• Added insulation or energy efficiency upgrades
• Foundation repairs with transferable warranty
• New water heater

Leave documentation of these improvements in a visible folder. An appraiser who knows your electrical system was just upgraded to 200-amp service will rate the home's systems more favorably.

Tip 9: Be Present — And Be Helpful, Not Intrusive

You have every right to be present during the appraisal. Use that time wisely:

• Greet the appraiser professionally and offer your prepared documentation
• Answer any questions accurately and completely
• Briefly mention major upgrades if the appraiser seems to miss them
• Do NOT follow the appraiser around the home or pressure them
• Do NOT ask what value they expect or try to influence their conclusion

Your goal is to be a helpful resource, not a salesperson. Appraisers who feel pressured often become defensive, which hurts more than helps.

Tip 10: Address Obvious Safety and Habitability Issues

Appraisers are required to flag habitability and safety deficiencies, which can tank your appraisal:

• Peeling paint on a home built before 1978 (potential lead paint — triggers immediate flagging for FHA loans)
• Missing handrails on staircases
• Evidence of water intrusion, mold, or structural damage
• Broken smoke detectors or CO detectors
• GFCI outlets missing near water sources
• Inoperable heating or cooling systems

These aren't just value deductions — they can make a home "ineligible" for FHA or VA financing, dramatically reducing your buyer pool.

Tip 11: Stage the Interior for Spaciousness

Appraisers estimate value, not staging skills — but a cluttered, cramped interior makes accurate measurement harder and signals smaller dimensions. Staging for the appraisal means:

• Remove excess furniture (particularly in small rooms)
• Clear hallways completely
• Ensure all rooms are accessible and well-lit
• Remove boxes or stored items from living areas

The goal is for every room to feel as spacious as possible and for the appraiser to move freely through the home.

Tip 12: Research the Appraiser's Recent Comps

Once the appraisal is ordered, you may be able to learn which appraiser is assigned. If so, check public records for appraisals they've completed in your neighborhood. This gives you context on their familiarity with your area and typical value ranges — helping you gauge whether your comp list needs to include more detail.

What to Do If the Appraisal Comes In Low

Even with perfect preparation, appraisals sometimes disappoint. If yours comes in below your target:

1. Request the appraisal report — you're legally entitled to a copy
2. Check for factual errors — incorrect square footage, missed rooms, misidentified features
3. Challenge with better comps — if relevant comparable sales were overlooked, submit them through your lender for reconsideration
4. Request a second appraisal — in some cases (especially for HELOCs), a second appraisal may yield a different result

Learn more about what happens when a home appraisal comes in low and your options for recourse.

The Connection Between Appraisals and Home Equity Access

Your appraised value directly determines how much equity you can access. For a HELOC:

Maximum HELOC = (Home Value × 85%) − Outstanding Mortgage Balance

The difference between a $420,000 and $450,000 appraisal — a 7% gap — translates to $25,500 more in available HELOC credit. That's a real difference in what you can fund with your home equity. See our full guide on how much you can borrow with a HELOC.

---

Related Articles

• [[Home Appraisal Came In Low](/blog/home-appraisal-came-low) — Now What?](/blog/home-appraisal-came-low)
• Curb Appeal Improvements That Add Value
• How Much Can I Borrow With a HELOC?
• PMI Cancellation Strategies
• [Home Appraisal vs. [Property Assessment](/blog/real-estate-due-diligence-checklist)](/blog/home-appraisal-vs-assessment)
• [[HELOC Appraisal](/blog/heloc-appraisal-what-to-expect): What to Expect](/blog/heloc-appraisal-what-to-expect)