Figuring out how to price your home to sell can be tricky, especially when remembering the importance of home appraisals. After all, the price you ask for only works out if the buyer’s lender approves the mortgage. For that to happen, you must ensure the value matches the asking price.
With that in mind, sellers need to understand how home appraisals work and how they can best prepare themselves for a smooth appraisal process.
Key Takeaways
- A home appraisal is an objective assessment of the appraised value of your property, conducted by a certified appraiser
- Typically, appraisals are ordered by a bank or mortgage lender to determine the property’s value for mortgage purposes
- The buyer usually pays for the home appraisal, and this cost is included in their closing costs
What is a Home Appraisal?
A home appraisal helps determine the value of your home. The appraisal is done by an unbiased, third-party professional who reviews the home and creates a report based on their findings. The appraisal takes into account current market trends, recent sales of similar properties in the area, and specific aspects of the property itself.
When you are selling your home, a home appraisal is typically ordered by the buyer’s mortgage lender to determine the property’s value for mortgage purposes. However, there are several other instances when you may hire a home appraiser. Including refinancing your home, planning your estate or retirement, renovating, or appealing your property tax assessment.
In some low-risk transactions, a desktop appraisal will be conducted by reviewing online data, including property tax records, previous appraisals, Multiple Listing Service (MLS) data, Google Maps and other relevant sources to determine your property’s value. On the other hand, an in-person appraisal is more in-depth, as the appraiser will physically inspect the property in addition to reviewing the online data.
Home Appraisal vs Home Inspection
Home appraisals and home inspections provide different information and have different purposes. For instance, home appraisals benefit the buyer’s mortgage lender and are intended to determine the property’s market value. Home inspections are a report on the condition of the home for the buyer.
Factors That Can Affect Appraisal Value
There are many factors that can affect the appraisal value of your home, some of which are within your control, while others are outside of your control.
- Comparable sales – Similar home sales are one of the most important factors in appraisal values. If similar homes have sold for high prices, your home value is typically higher, and vice versa for lower homes
- Local demand – The location of your home plays a significant role in determining its value. For example, homes in desirable neighbourhoods are often more valuable
- Property condition – The condition of your home will influence the valuation. Homes in great condition will be valued higher than homes in need of repair
- Usable square footage and layout – Professional appraisers consider the size and layout of each room in addition to the number of floors, bedrooms and bathrooms. They will also determine how suitable it is for the neighbourhood. For instance, homes in family-oriented neighbourhoods should have more than one bedroom
- Curb appeal – First impressions can make a difference. A home with great curb appeal and a well-maintained exterior will likely be valued higher
- Recent upgrades – Home updates, such as new appliances, door handles, faucets, light fixtures, or fresh paint, may help increase the value of your home. For large renovations, be sure to follow all zoning rules or bylaws. Failing to do so may negatively impact your appraisal
- Property type – The type of property (residential, commercial, or multi-family) can also affect the appraisal value, as different property types may require different valuation methods
Renovations & Upgrades That Actually Help Appraisals
It’s no secret that renovating your home can be expensive. So, if you plan to sell your home, it’s essential to invest in upgrades that will make a noticeable difference. Unfortunately, not all updates will provide a return on investment.
According to the Appraisal Institute of Canada, these updates and renovations can add value to your home or maintain its worth:
- Kitchen – Updates or renovations with quality materials
- Bathroom – Updates or renovations with quality materials
- Repainting – Interior or exterior painting in tones that appeal to the market
- Finishes – Update lighting or plumbing fixtures, update or refinish flooring
- Roof – Replace the roof as it nears the end of its lifespan
- Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning – Ensure it is in good working order and replace near the end of its lifespan
- Windows and doors – Replace near the end of lifespan
- Electrical – Update electrical panel, wiring, and sockets as needed
- Structure – Repair any structural defects
What if the Appraisal is Lower Than the Asking Price?
If the appraisal of the home’s value is lower than the asking price, then the lender will decrease the amount the buyer can borrow. In this case, the buyer will have to pay more out of pocket for the down payment or ask for a reduction in the purchase price. As the seller, you have a few options:
- Do nothing – You do not have to take any action; however, if mortgage approval was a condition outlined in the purchase agreement, the buyer may walk away from the deal
- Renegotiate the purchase price – You may lower the purchase price so that the deal goes forward
- Challenge the appraisal – You can appeal the decision and request a Reconsideration of Value through the lender. However, you should be prepared with supporting documentation
- Request a second appraisal – With the lender’s permission, you may request a second appraisal with a different provider. However, the lender may reject the second appraisal
The Role of Your Agent in Defending Value
When it comes to pricing and selling your home, your real estate agent is your closest ally. First, your agent will conduct a comparative market analysis to help determine the market value and listing price of your property.
You should provide a list of recent home improvements and renovations that have been completed, as this information can be included in the listing and provided to the real estate appraiser for consideration.
Lastly, if there are any issues with the appraised value of your home, your agent will negotiate with the buyers on your behalf or lead the process to challenge the appraisal.
Pre-Appraisal Seller Checklist (Before and Day-Of)
To show your home in the best possible light, small preparations can make a big difference. Getting your home ready not only improves its appearance for photos and listings but also helps ensure a smooth and thorough inspection by the appraiser.
Consider completing these tasks before your home is photographed for the listing, as desktop appraisals may be completed by reviewing the online listing. Here is a quick checklist of things to do before the appraisal:
- Complete small repairs
- Clean, declutter, and stage rooms
- Prep a summary of home details
- Gather receipts and permits for upgrades
- Ensure the appraiser and photographer have access to all areas
Bottom Line
All in all, what a seller should know about home appraisals is that they are typically ordered on behalf of the buyer to determine the mortgage approval amount. This type of knowledge can help you sell your home for what it’s worth and give you confidence in knowing that you’ve priced your property reasonably. If you hire the right real estate professionals to walk you through the process, this should be an easy task to check off in your list of items you require to sell your home.
Sell your home with Zolo to get expert guidance and support through the entire process, from listing to closing.
Home Appraisal FAQs
When does the appraisal process happen?
The home appraisal process takes place after the seller has accepted the offer to purchase but before the mortgage has been finalized. The appraisal is a key step in the homebuying process and is required by mortgage lenders before approving the loan.
How much does a home appraisal cost, and who pays?
The buyer typically pays for the home appraisal as part of their closing costs. Appraisal fees vary depending on property type, size and location. However, buyers can expect to pay between $300 and $500 for a home appraisal in Canada.
Should a seller get a home appraisal in advance?
While it may seem like a good idea for the seller to get an appraisal in advance to have it ready for when the buyer comes along, this is not recommended. The chances are very high that the buyer’s lender will not trust or accept a home appraisal conducted on behalf of the seller. So if you, as the seller, choose to do a home appraisal, it will likely be a waste of money.
How long does the appraisal take?
The in-person portion of a home appraisal typically takes 20 to 40 minutes, during which the professional inspects and measures specific aspects of the home and its surroundings. The appraiser will then share their findings in an appraisal report, which usually takes 5 to 7 days to complete.
Can a seller contest a low appraisal?
You can challenge a home appraisal if you believe it is inaccurate. To contest the appraisal, you (and your real estate agent) will need to gather evidence that supports the home price. However, an appraiser isn’t obligated to adjust their valuations.
Will staging affect the appraisal?
It is possible that staging could influence the appraiser’s overall opinion of the property. However, staging should not directly affect the formal appraised value of the property. The Appraisal Institute of Canada highlights that decluttering can help showcase the features of your home.
Should I disclose recent renovations?
Yes, you should disclose any recent renovations and upgrades to the real estate appraiser. They will use this information when determining the value of your property.
