How to Prepare for a Home Appraisal (and What You Need to Know)

If you’re getting ready to sell or refinance your home, knowing how to prepare for a home appraisal is key. The appraisal helps determine your home’s value, and influences how much a lender will finance or how much equity you can access.. 

Whether you’re selling your home in Newport News, VA or refinancing in Suffolk, VA, a strong appraisal can make all the difference. In this Redfin article, we’ll walk you exactly how you need to prepare your home so it stands out and appraises for top dollar.

What is a home appraisal?

If you’re selling your home or refinancing your mortgage, you’ve probably heard the term “home appraisal” thrown around. But what exactly is it?

Simply put, a home appraisal is an unbiased assessment by  a professional who determines your home’s fair market value. They evaluate factors like your home’s condition, location, and comparable sales in the area. This estimate helps lenders decide how much money they’re willing to loan you—or how much your home should sell for.

Types of home appraisals

Not all appraisals are done the same way. Depending on the lender, the type of loan, and the condition of the home, you might encounter one of the following:

• Full (traditional) appraisal: A licensed appraiser inspects the home in person, measuring its condition and comparing it to recent nearby sales.
• Drive-by appraisal (exterior-only): The appraiser only assesses the exterior and relies on public records, photos, and comparable sales. Common for lower-risk and some refinance loans.
• Desktop appraisal: The appraiser relies solely on online data, MLS listings, tax records, and comparable sales without visiting the property. Used for faster, low-risk valuations.
• Hybrid appraisal: A trained inspector or third-party data collector visits the home and shares findings with a licensed appraiser, who completes the valuation remotely.

No matter which one is used, the goal is the same: to provide a fair, unbiased estimate of your home’s value.

When do you need an appraisal?

Lenders typically require an appraisal when you’re buying a home with a mortgage or refinancing an existing loan. Think of it like this: the lender wants to make sure they’re not handing over more cash than how much your home is actually worth. It protects them—and you—from paying or borrowing too much.

You’ll usually need an appraisal in a few situations:

• When you’re selling your home: the buyer’s lender orders it to confirm the price matches the market.
• When you refinance your mortgage: your lender wants to know your home’s current value.
• When applying for a home equity loan or line of credit: the appraisal helps determine how much equity you have to borrow against.

What happens during an appraisal?

Usually, the appraiser will spend about 30 minutes to an hour walking through your home, taking notes and photos. Then they’ll compare what they see with data on similar homes in your area.

After that, it usually takes a few days to get the full appraisal report. This report is what the lender uses to make their final call.

How to prepare for a home appraisal

Getting ready for an appraisal is a lot like getting ready for a buyer walkthrough—you want your home to look its best, feel inviting, and show that it’s been well taken care of. 

Here’s how to prepare your home for an appraisal:

1. Clean thoroughly: A deep clean goes a long way. Vacuum, mop, wipe down surfaces, clean windows, and make sure bathrooms and kitchens sparkle.
2. Declutter your space: Put away personal items, clear off countertops, and tidy up closets and storage areas. A cleaner space feels more spacious and well-kept.
3. Tackle small repairs: Fix that dripping faucet, squeaky door, chipped paint, or loose cabinet handle. These little details can add up in the appraiser’s overall impression.
4. Boost curb appeal: Mow the lawn, trim hedges, sweep walkways, and make sure the exterior looks neat and welcoming. A fresh-looking front door and a clean porch can set the tone before the appraiser even walks inside.
5. List your upgrades: Write down any improvements you’ve made—new roof, HVAC system, kitchen remodel, flooring updates, etc. Include receipts, permits, and installation dates if you have them.
6. Make all areas accessible: Unlock gates, remove obstacles, and ensure the appraiser can access the garage, attic, basement, and any outbuildings or additional structures.
7. Know your comps: While you don’t need to provide a full market analysis, it’s helpful to be aware of similar homes that have sold in your area recently. If you have information you think could help, you can politely share it.
8. Be available, but not intrusive: You don’t need to hover, but being around in case the appraiser has questions can be helpful—especially if your home has unique features or recent upgrades you want to point out.

What do home appraisers look for?

When an appraiser steps inside your home, they’re not just glancing around—they’re carefully evaluating factors that help determine its value. Here’s what they typically focus on:

• Overall condition of the home: Appraisers look for signs that the home has been well cared for. Damage, wear and tear, or needed repairs—like peeling paint or a leaky faucet—can affect their assessment.
• Size and layout: The amount of livable space matters. Appraisers measure square footage, count bedrooms and bathrooms, and evaluate how the space flows. A functional, well-designed layout can add value.
• Updates and upgrades: Renovations like updated kitchens, bathrooms, new flooring, or energy-efficient systems can boost your appraisal—especially if they’re done professionally and well-maintained.
• Curb appeal: First impressions matter. The condition of the exterior, lawn, landscaping, and front door all set the tone before the appraiser even steps inside.
• Location and neighborhood: Your home’s location plays a big role. Good school districts, nearby amenities, and overall neighborhood appeal can raise your value. Conversely, poorly maintained surrounding homes can lower it.
• Comparable homes: Appraisers compare your home to recently sold properties of similar size, style, and location. If nearby comps sold for less, that can impact your appraisal value.

What can hurt your home appraisal?

Just like there are things that can help your home appraise higher, there are also factors that can work against you. Some of them are out of your control—but many are fixable with a little effort. 

Here’s what might bring your appraisal value down:

• Visible signs of neglect or deferred maintenance: Leaky faucets, cracked tiles, peeling paint, broken windows, or aging systems (like an old water heater or HVAC unit) can suggest bigger problems and lower your home’s perceived value.
• Outdated interiors: While you don’t need a brand-new kitchen, dated finishes, old appliances, worn carpet, or heavily lived-in bathrooms can drag down your home’s appeal in the appraiser’s eyes.
• Clutter and poor presentation: A messy or overcrowded home can make rooms feel smaller and distract from the home’s features. It may not officially lower the value, but it can leave a negative impression.
• Unpermitted or DIY work: Home improvements without proper permits or projects that look unfinished or poorly done may be ignored in the appraised value—or worse, raise red flags about code violations.
• Lack of curb appeal: Overgrown landscaping, chipped paint, or a damaged fence or driveway can start the appraisal off on the wrong foot.
• Nearby negative influences: Unfortunately, things like foreclosures, unkempt neighboring properties, or declining local market trends can also impact your home’s appraised value—though these are outside your control.

The good news? Many of these are easy to address before the appraisal takes place. A little cleaning, fixing, and organizing can go a long way toward protecting your home’s value.

What can help your home appraisal?

While the housing market is beyond your control, there are plenty of steps you can take to give your home the best chance at a strong appraisal. 

Here are some key factors that typically help boost your home’s value in the eyes of an appraiser:

• Recent upgrades and renovations: Improvements in important areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and energy-efficient systems can add value—think new appliances, updated flooring, fresh paint, or a modern HVAC system. Just make sure everything is finished and in good working order.
• Clean, well-maintained interiors: A tidy, clutter-free home looks larger and more inviting. When your space feels cared for, it leaves a positive impression.
• Great curb appeal: First impressions matter! A freshly mowed lawn, trimmed bushes, clean driveway, and a welcoming front door signal that the home has been well cared for.
• Documented improvements: Providing a list of upgrades with receipts or permits shows the appraiser your renovations are legitimate and professionally done, supporting a higher valuation.
• Desirable location and market trends: If your neighborhood is popular or home values are rising, that naturally helps your appraisal. Proximity to good schools, parks, shops, and public transit adds extra appeal.
• Functional layout and usable space: Well-designed layouts that maximize living space are attractive. Finished basements, attic conversions, or other added usable areas can be a plus.

Why do home appraisal values matter?

When you apply for a mortgage, refinance, or take out a home equity loan, your lender usually requires an appraisal to establish your home’s value. This appraised value determines your home equity—the difference between your home’s worth and any outstanding loans. It directly impacts how much you can borrow, how much equity you have, and in many cases, what kind of interest rate and loan terms you’re offered.

If your appraisal comes in lower than expected, it can cause delays, limit your loan options, or even derail the deal altogether.

Here’s how it affects different types of loans:

• Home equity investment (HEI): You receive a lump sum of cash upfront in exchange for a share of your home’s future value. Your eligibility depends on your home’s appraised value and current equity.
• Home purchase: If the appraisal is lower than the purchase price, your lender may only finance the appraised amount. This means you’ll need to pay the difference or renegotiate with the seller. On the flip side, a higher appraisal means instant equity on closing day. 
• Home equity loan or HELOC: These loans are based on your equity—meaning the difference between your home’s appraised value and what you still owe on your mortgage. For example, with a  $600,000 home and $400,000 owed, you could borrow up to 85–90% of the difference, depending on the lender.
• Refinance: The appraisal sets the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio for your new loan, affecting eligibility, interest rates, and whether you’ll need additional cash. If your appraisal is too low, you might not qualify for a refinance at all.

Bottom line: Your home’s appraised value isn’t just a number on paper—it directly impacts your financing, your equity, and in some cases, your ability to move forward with a loan or purchase.

Home appraisal FAQs

1. Should I be home during the appraisal?

You can be, but it’s not required. If you are home, keep interactions friendly and brief. You can offer a list of upgrades or point out important features, but it’s best not to follow the appraiser around or try to influence their evaluation.

>> Discover: Checklist for the Home Appraisal Process

2. What happens if the appraisal comes in low?

If the appraisal is lower than expected, it can create financing issues—especially in a sale. The buyer may need to come up with the difference, renegotiate the price, or walk away. In a refinance, it could affect the loan amount or interest rate. You can challenge a low appraisal, but it requires solid evidence (like better comps or overlooked upgrades).

>> Check out: When Your Home Appraisal Comes in Low

3. What’s the difference between an appraisal and an inspection?

An appraisal estimates the value of your home, while an inspection looks at the condition of your home’s systems and structure. Appraisals are mainly for lenders; inspections are for buyers.

>> Dive in: Appraisal vs. Inspection for Home Buyers

4. Do home improvements always raise the appraised value?

Not necessarily. Upgrades can help, especially in kitchens, bathrooms, and energy efficiency, but not all renovations have a high return. Quality, relevance, and market demand all play a role. A $20K bathroom remodel might add more value in some neighborhoods than others.

>>Read: How to Increase Your Home Appraisal Value: 6 Strategies to Help

5. How long does an appraisal take and how long is it good for?

A typical home appraisal takes 1 to 2 hours for the on-site inspection, with the full report usually delivered within a few days to a week. However, timelines can vary based on the appraiser’s schedule and market demand. Most home appraisals are considered valid for about 90 days, but this can vary depending on the lender and local market conditions.

>>Learn: How Long Does an Appraisal Take?

6. How much does a home appraisal cost?

Home appraisal costs typically range from $300 to $500, depending on the size, location, and complexity of the property. Larger or more unique homes may cost more.

>>Explore: How Much Does a Home Appraisal Cost?

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