When it comes to selling your home in Metro DC, one of the first things to pop into your head will be the listing price.
How much can you sell the property for?
Many factors go into determining this key number, but the appraisal is what can really make or break the home sale. As your local Washington DC area real estate experts, The Estridge Group has listed four ways to prepare for your appraisal so you can showcase your home in its best light.
Below are four ways to get ready for your home appraisal in Washington DC, Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Northern Virginia, and beyond:
Check off maintenance tasks
If your home still has a long list of repairs to make, you will want to complete them before the appraisal. Even tasks like cleaning out the gutters should be marked off your list before the appraiser arrives. Remember these may not always add value to the home, but will help to show your home at its best.
Remove clutter and clean
Just as you would before a potential buyer arrives to tour your home, the property should be free of clutter and cleaned thoroughly before an appraisal. The appraiser’s opinion of your home is what could make or break the sale—if the appraised value is too far off from the listing price your deal could fall through—so be sure to make a good impression.
Put on your buyer hat
Before you decide that all is said and done with your Metro DC home, put on your buyer hat and take a walk around the property. Use your critical eye to notice things like leaky faucets, a toilet that constantly runs, or nails that have poked through or left marks on the walls. It’s best to make a list of all of these items that could leave a negative impression on the appraiser and then start to tackle them one by one.
Work with your agent
Your real estate agent in the DC Metro is a wealth of resources, so don’t be afraid to talk to them! What your home appraises for is somewhat impacted by what other homes in the area have sold for in the past few months and your agent can provide you with those statistics. Your agent can often pull a list of comparable properties to give to the appraiser.
Do not hesitate to reach out to The Estridge Group with any questions you have about selling your home in Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Northern Virginia, DC and beyond— now is a great time to list your property and move on to your next dream home!
