It may seem that homebuyers and sellers don’t agree on much, but they share one important concern: that the transaction is successful. This camaraderie is never more evident than during the appraisal process. It’s only natural, since the results of the appraisal can send the deal spiraling out of control. Appraisers take into account many factors when determining the worth of a home. While some of these, such as location, can’t be helped, there are things a homeowner can do to ensure that the home is appraised for maximum value.
Information is King
Appraisers don’t spend a lot of time in the home. In fact, Brian Coester, chief executive of appraisal firm CoesterVMS, tells CNBC that the interior inspection typically takes 30 minutes or less.
“After inspecting thousands of homes, it does become quite easy to quickly assess the amenities in a home,” reiterates Ryan Lundquist on Sacramento Appraisal Blog. That isn’t much time to make a good first impression, so line up those ducks in advance of the appraiser’s visit. The first one should be a packet of information that you can hand the appraiser as he or she speeds out the door after the inspection. This packet should contain not only the basics about your home but anything that will help back up the buyer’s offer.
Include a fact sheet about the home with the address, the year the home was built, the square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and the size of the lot. Also include a listing of recent sales in the area, especially if you know of any for-sale-by-owner homes that have sold or homes that sold for less than they should have for any reason. For example, a home may have been sold to a relative, or the owners may have sold quickly to take a job out of town. Yes, the appraiser has access to recent home sales, but there’s always a chance he or she may miss something.
Create a list of any improvements you’ve made to the home. List them by date and include contact information for the contractor who did the work.
“Clients can rest assured that they are in good hands” – Jamie Bendross
Look no further than GH & B Realty Group
With years of experience and specialized training in real estate negotiation, GH & B Realty Group is well-positioned to secure the best deals for their clients. Their unwavering commitment to earning trust and satisfaction, combined with their in-depth local knowledge, sets them apart from other real estate agencies in Atlanta. So, if you are in the market for a new home in Atlanta, look no further than GH & B Realty Group. Their listings include a wide range of properties that are sure to meet your preferences and needs. Trust Jamie and the team to help you find your perfect home sweet home in the heart of Atlanta.
