Get Your Home's Value

Lock in all the final details for appraisal day

It’s a few days before the appraiser’s visit (or the day of, if you’re a last-minute kind-of-person). What tasks should you take care of before they show up?

You’ll want to take a few hours to deep clean and declutter the house, particularly the visible portions like floors and countertops. Vacuum, give kitchens and bathrooms a once over, and wipe surfaces of any dust and grime.

This step is especially important if you haven’t regularly lived in the property over the past few months. Grichine can recall several times over the years when conditions in a house he visited were unsanitary, causing him physical discomfort including sneezing and difficulty breathing.

Make sure the appraiser is a bonafide expert in your local market

Homeowners should always ask home appraiser candidates about their professional designations, whether they are licensed or certified in their state, and how long they have been in the business.

You will want to check the appraiser’s license and credentials, which you can do through your state’s licensing agency. Most state agencies will provide verification in writing that an appraiser is currently in good standing, which also may disclose any disciplinary actions that have been taken against them.