It is important to understand the home appraisal process in order to ensure that your property’s evaluation is accurate. CMA Appraisals is a central Texas based residential appraisal company that is family owned and operated. Our goal is to make the appraisal process as transparent and comprehensible as possible for local homeowners and buyers.

What do appraisers look for?
When writing an appraisal report there are a variety of factors that the appraiser takes into account in order to determine a home’s valuation. These include the property’s size, location, features and condition.

Some key points appraisers take into consideration are:

• The quality of materials used (cabinets, countertops, fixtures, floors, etc.)
• Any updates or remodeling that has been put into the property.
• Areas that have been neglected or in need of maintenance
• Accurate square footage
• Finished areas below grade (finished basement areas)
• Additional structures on the property (barn, workshop, guest house, pool house, etc.)

A quality appraisal addresses any feature that may contribute to the overall market value of the property.

Home Appraisal Preparation Checklist

• Clean and declutter: This makes it easier for the appraiser to access the condition of your home and its features
• Make any needed repairs: To show the appraiser your property is well maintained, make sure any necessary repairs have been taken care of (Fix leaks, paint, broken windows, etc.)
• Gather documentation: Provide any documents that support the value of your home. This could include sales contracts, building permits, or other records. By providing this information, you’ll be able to help the appraiser to make a more accurate estimate of your home’s value.
• Get a pre-appraisal: A pre-appraisal is where an appraiser comes out to your home to give you an estimate of value before you put the home on the market. This allows you to deal with any issues that need to be addressed before the property is listed.
• Be prepared to answer questions: The appraiser will have questions about your property such as upgrades made, materials used and repairs that need to be made.
• Don’t over-improve your home: Not all improvements increase the value of your home from an appraisal standpoint. Be sure to consider the cost of the upgrade compared to the potential increase in value it could add to your home. Please reach out to us at any time if you have questions about what value an upgrade could potentially add to your property.
• Don’t forget about the exterior: Make sure the exterior of your home is well maintained with no repairs needed. Keep landscaping, driveways and sidewalks in good condition.
• Keep up with the marker: It’s important to be aware of market trends in your area. Check recent sales of comparable properties in your area to get an idea of what your home might be worth. Keep in mind that the value of your home can be affected by factors such as the local economy, interest rates, and the overall real estate market.

Need A Home Appraisal?
Getting an appraisal can be overwhelming but following these tips can help ensure you get the most accurate valuation for your property. Please reach out to us with any questions and we will be happy to assist you.