How to Prepare Your Home for an Appraisal (and Maximize Your Value)
For most people, their home is their biggest investment. So when it’s time to refinance or sell, you want the appraisal to reflect its true value — not a discounted version of it.
A great appraiser will look past the décor and focus on the bones, systems, and overall condition of the home. But first impressions still matter. A lot. With a bit of planning (and some strategic upgrades), you can help your home show at its best and protect your long-term equity.
Here’s how to prepare your home for an appraisal so you can confidently aim for top dollar.
1. Start With Curb Appeal: Clean Up the Yard
People shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but buyers and appraisers absolutely judge a home by its exterior.
Before your appraisal:
Mow, edge, and water the lawn (or repair dead patches).
Trim trees and shrubs, remove dead branches, and clear overgrowth.
Pull weeds and add fresh mulch or gravel where needed.
Sweep walkways, porches, and driveways.
Repair or replace broken gates, leaning fences, or damaged hardscape.
You don’t need a full landscape redesign. But a tidy, well-kept yard tells the appraiser the home has been looked after and that sets the tone before they ever step inside.
2. Refresh the Details, Not Just the Function
Function is non-negotiable. But dated fixtures and finishes can still drag down perceived value.
Look around your kitchen, bathrooms, and main living areas and ask:
Are the faucets, cabinet pulls, and light fixtures decades old?
Do yellowed switches, outlets, or vent covers make things feel tired?
Are there “time-capsule” elements that make the home feel older than it is?
Simple weekend projects can go a long way:
Swap old faucets for clean, modern fixtures.
Update light fixtures and add brighter, energy-efficient bulbs.
Replace heavily worn or discolored hardware and covers.
Refresh caulking around tubs, showers, and sinks.
These aren’t full remodels, but they help your home read as cared-for and current, not “deferred maintenance.”
3. Give Your Surfaces a Reset: Paint, Floors, and Exterior
The surfaces of your home are what the eye notices first and what an appraiser walks past in every room.
Inside the home:
Patch cracks, nail holes, and minor wall damage.
Repaint walls in neutral, light tones that make spaces feel larger and fresher.
Deep clean or replace tired carpet. Stained, worn carpet instantly lowers perceived value.
If budget allows, consider upgrading main areas to hardwood, engineered wood, or quality tile, which typically appraise better than old carpeting.
Outside the home:
Touch up peeling or faded exterior paint.
Repair any damaged or warped siding or stucco.
Repaint front doors, trim, and garage doors that look dull or weathered.
You’re not trying to hide problems you’re bringing the house back to its best, honest version of itself.
4. Take Care of the Structure and Systems
A beautiful home with hidden damage will always lose value on appraisal.
If you suspect any issues, address them before the appraiser arrives:
Roof: Check for leaks, missing shingles, or obvious wear. If you’ve recently replaced the roof, that’s a big value add.
Plumbing: Look under sinks and around toilets for signs of leaks or water damage. Fix slow drains or running toilets.
Electrical: Make sure outlets work, breakers aren’t tripping, and there are no exposed wires or unsafe DIY fixes.
HVAC: Replace filters, clean vents, and ensure the system is working properly.
If you’re unsure, bring in a licensed professional. A clean report or recent repair documentation , shows the appraiser the home is safe and structurally sound.
5. Clear Out Rubbish and Visual Clutter
Old appliances in the side yard, a half collapsed shed, or piles of leftover construction material can all work against you.
Before appraisal day:
Remove broken furniture, old tools, and unused building materials.
Haul away abandoned sheds or damaged outdoor structures that read as “projects.”
Declutter surfaces inside: countertops, dressers, and floors should feel open and functional.
Consider temporarily storing excess items offsite if you’re short on space.
A cleaner, more open home makes it easier for the appraiser to see the actual square footage, flow, and potential , not just the stuff.
6. Check Your Windows and Doors
Windows and doors are a big part of how a home lives and performs.
Walk through the house and check:
Do windows open and close smoothly?
Are there chips, cracks, or fogging between panes?
Do you feel drafts or notice moisture on rainy days?
Are locks, latches, and handles working properly?
Fix what you can:
Repair or replace damaged screens.
Reseal areas with failing weatherstripping.
Replace any cracked or broken panes.
If you’ve invested in new energy efficient windows or doors, make sure the appraiser knows.
Even small improvements here signal better insulation, comfort, and longevity , all positives in an appraisal report.
7. Make a List of Upgrades and Improvements
Not every upgrade is easily visible, especially if it’s behind the walls or in the attic.
Create a simple one-page sheet to hand to the appraiser that includes:
Year of roof replacement (if applicable)
Age of HVAC system, water heater, and major appliances
Any electrical or plumbing upgrades
Insulation upgrades, solar installations, or energy efficient improvements
Any permits pulled for additions, remodels, or structural work
Attach receipts or documentation where you have them. This isn’t about overselling , it’s about giving the appraiser clear, organized facts that support your home’s value.
Don’t Rush the Appraisal , Prepare for It
If your home isn’t quite ready, it’s usually better to wait a bit, make the right fixes, and then schedule the appraisal. A little patience and preparation can make a meaningful difference in how your home is valued.
And if you’re in the Los Angeles area and thinking about remodeling before selling or refinancing, we can help you prioritize:
Which upgrades will matter most for value
What’s worth doing now vs. later
How to turn necessary repairs into an opportunity to modernize your home
Heart Construction – Build with Intention.
Ready to walk your property and create a game plan? Contact us at myheartconstruction.com