To prepare for a home appraisal, make sure the appraiser can get into every room, put together a list of your upgrades along with any paperwork for them, and tidy up so your home’s condition is easy to see. You don’t need to stage the house, repaint, or deep clean. 3D Appraisals provides appraisals throughout San Antonio and the surrounding counties, and here’s a simple way to get ready.
A little preparation helps the appraiser see everything your home has to offer, and it takes less time than most people expect.
Before the Appraiser Arrives
- Unlock or clear access to every room, the garage, the attic, and any outbuildings
- Clear walkways around the outside of the home, since we measure the exterior
- Turn on the lights and replace any burned-out bulbs, so each room is easy to photograph
- Tidy up. Clutter doesn’t change your home’s value, but it can hide the condition of floors, walls, and closets
- Let us know about any pets when you schedule, and keep them comfortable and secured during the visit
Information Worth Gathering
- A list of upgrades with approximate dates, such as a new roof, HVAC system, windows, flooring, or a kitchen or bath remodel
- Permits or receipts for that work, if you have them
- A floor plan or survey, if you have one
- HOA details, if your home is in an HOA
- The reason for the appraisal and any deadline attached to it, such as a closing date, protest hearing, or court date
Upgrades aren’t always obvious during a walkthrough, and they can affect value. Having them written down means nothing gets missed.
Small Fixes Worth Making
Minor repairs make a home’s condition easier to evaluate:
- Fix leaky faucets and broken door handles
- Replace torn window screens
- Touch up chipped or peeling paint in obvious spots
- Handle any simple safety issues, like loose handrails
What You Can Skip
Staging, fresh décor, new furniture, and paint color choices don’t change an appraised value. Condition does. We’d also steer you away from starting a big renovation just before an appraisal. Major projects don’t always return what they cost, and a half-finished project can work against you.
What Happens During the Visit
- We let you know when we arrive.
- We measure the exterior of the home, including the garage and any outbuildings.
- We take interior photos of each room. These are used only for the appraisal report and then removed from our records.
- We wrap up by answering your questions and asking about upgrades and upkeep.
The visit itself is usually under an hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be home for the appraisal?
It’s not required, but many owners like to be there to point out recent updates and answer questions.
Do I need to deep clean before the appraiser comes?
No. A tidy home is plenty. Appraisers care about condition and features, not whether the house is spotless.
Will a fresh coat of paint raise my appraised value?
Not by itself. Clean, well-maintained surfaces are easier to evaluate, but you shouldn’t expect a dollar-for-dollar return from cosmetic touch-ups.
What should I do with my pets during the appraisal?
Keep them comfortable and secured, and let us know about them when you schedule so the visit goes smoothly.
Can I point things out during the visit?
Yes, and we encourage it. Mention upgrades, repairs you’ve made, and anything unusual about the home.
To see what the appraiser actually evaluates once they’re inside, read what a home appraiser looks for. If you’re buying or selling, our buying and selling appraisals page explains the process from both sides, and our overview of when you need an appraisal covers the most common reasons homeowners call us.
Serving San Antonio and Surrounding Counties
3D Appraisals provides home appraisals across Bexar, Wilson, Comal, Guadalupe, and Gonzales counties.
Contact 3D Appraisals today to schedule your appraisal or ask us a question.