The Most Important Home Improvements to Make Before an Appraisal

As of the first quarter of 2019, homes in the U.S. had an average sales price of $377,000.With that kind of money on the line, it’s not surprising that home buyers have become savvier. They’ve honed their negotiation skills and aren’t afraid to use those skills to drive their costs down.You may have used such skills when you were a buyer yourself searching for houses for sale in Kansas City! And as someone with buying experience, you know how crucial the home appraisal is when buying a home.

Make These Improvements Before Your Home Appraisal

Make sure your home is ready in time for an appraisal. Use this list as a refresher so you can boost your chances of selling your home fast (and for the right price)!

1. Cabinets (Especially in the Kitchen and Bathroom)

It may have something to do with how the average American household owns 300,000 items. Or how intriguing cabinets – and what lies behind them – are. The important thing is, home buyers naturally gravitate to opening cabinets and shelves.So, imagine how they’ll react if the handles are loose or the cabinet doors or shelves don’t open all the way or if there’s a loose hinge or web-like cracks on the glass.These are simple fixes that you need to address while preparing for a home appraisal.

2. Water Fixtures

A single faucet that leaks 3 drips per minute wastes more than 100 gallons of water a year. While not all home buyers are aware of this, everyone knows that leaks are a huge waste of money. If homebuyers see these plumbing issues in your home, they may use that to negotiate a lower price.Also, shoppers may think that if something as easy as a leak wasn’t addressed, other things weren’t either. That said, be sure all water fixtures, like sinks, bathtubs, and showerheads are leak-free.

3. Plumbing

Another key step on how to prepare for a home appraisal is to ensure pipes are free of clogs. A home buyer can easily find out if you have blocked pipes after testing the hot and cold water faucets. If they notice the water doesn’t go down the drain right away, they may think you have bigger plumbing issues.

4. Roof

Replace broken or missing parts of your roof before the appraiser arrives. Failure to do this can make home buyers think of the possibility of an entire roof replacement. While you’re at it, have the gutters cleaned out too.

5. Ceilings and Walls

After repairing water damage, some signs, such as staining, may still be visible. Inspect your ceilings, walls, and floors for these stains and give them a fresh coat of paint. Painting your home’s exterior is also an affordable upgrade that boosts home value.

6. HVAC System

Perform routine maintenance on your HVAC system, starting with a filter change. Also, clean both the interior and exterior components to increase the unit’s efficiency. This will also help give your home a cleaner, more sanitary vibe.

Follow this Home Appraisal List and Have Your Home Ready to Sell

Many people consider Kansas City as one, if not the “most lovable” city in the country. Take advantage of that and also prove that it’s true by ensuring your home is more than ready for occupancy.Need more guidance on how you can sell your home quickly without compromising price? If so, then please feel free to connect with us! We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have about real estate in Kansas City.