When preparing to sell your home, one crucial step is getting it appraised. The appraisal value is determined by a variety of factors, each carrying different significance in the evaluation process. The primary objective of a home appraisal is to set a fair market price based on a comparison with similar properties in the area.

To help you better understand the home appraisal process, we’ve expanded on the key factors that can influence your home’s appraisal value. By knowing what to look for and what to be cautious of, you can ensure that your home is accurately priced for the market.

Uncover the 15 Key Factors That Impact Your Home’s Appraisal Value

The Home’s Design Style

The overall design plays a crucial role when assessing your home’s appraisal value. Timeless home designs often maintain their value over the long term. However, opting for trendy decor and finishes could lead to a lower appraisal value when these trends fall out of style. For instance, if your home’s last update was in the 70s and its finishes reflect that era, it might be appraised lower due to its limited appeal to potential buyers.

Additionally, the functionality and layout of your home can impact its appraisal value. Homes with efficient layouts and functional spaces tend to appraise higher than those with awkward or outdated layouts. Consider how well your home’s layout accommodates modern living needs, as this can influence its appraisal value positively or negatively.

Location

Your home’s appraisal value hinges heavily on its location. Different neighborhoods can significantly affect your home’s worth. Even within a neighborhood, where your home sits can matter greatly. For instance, a large lot at the back of the neighborhood will likely fetch more than a corner lot near the main road. Factors such as crime rates, proximity to schools and hospitals, the quality of nearby schools, and access to amenities like beaches and parks all play a role in determining a neighborhood’s value.

What defines a great home location? Several factors can boost your home’s appraisal value in a favorable location:

• Low crime rates
• Proximity to hospitals, fire stations, and/or police stations
• Highly-rated schools
• Not situated on a busy road
• Well-maintained roads and street lighting
• Mostly owner-occupied homes nearby, rather than rentals, foreclosures, or homes for sale
• Suburban location, roughly 20 to 30 minutes from a mid-sized or large city
• Walkability

Materials and Updates for Structural Construction

Boosting your home appraisal value hinges significantly on the materials shaping its foundation. A recent build or one upgraded with contemporary materials will command a premium over its aged counterparts. Think about revamping other components like the roof, siding, or windows; these enhancements not only elevate your home’s efficiency and security but also its overall appraisal value. If your dwelling is showing signs of structural wear or needs maintenance, tackling these issues head-on can significantly enhance its appeal come appraisal time.

When eyeing structural upgrades that pack a punch in terms of value, consider:

• Electrical updates, especially if rectifying outdated and hazardous methods like knob-and-tube wiring.
• Removal of hazardous materials such as asbestos, paving the way for a safer living environment.
• Expanding your basement for added living or utility space.
• Installing a new roof, particularly if the existing one is over two decades old.
• Refreshing siding, especially if the current one is damaged.
• Harnessing solar energy with panels, where feasible.
• Bolstering insulation for improved energy efficiency.
• Investing in top-tier windows and doors to enhance aesthetics and functionality.

Latest Home Improvements

Significant renovations made to a home since its last appraisal can have a profound impact on its appraisal value. In today’s market, updated kitchens and bathrooms are particularly valuable, so appraisers will consider these renovations when determining your home’s value. Before listing your home, focusing on renovating high-impact areas can lead to substantial increases in its appraisal value. Renovations don’t have to be extensive to boost appraisal value; even low-cost improvements can offer high returns on investment.

Here are some of the most valuable home renovations:

• New Garage Door: A new garage door can greatly enhance your home’s curb appeal and increase its value.
• New Front Door: A new front door not only improves security but also adds to the overall attractiveness of your home.
• Grand Entrance: Creating an impressive entrance can make a strong first impression on potential buyers and appraisers alike.
• New Siding: Upgrading your home’s siding can improve its aesthetic appeal and energy efficiency, leading to a higher appraisal value.
• Hardwood Floors: Installing hardwood floors, especially to replace damaged flooring, can significantly increase your home’s value and appeal to buyers.

Curb Appeal

A lack of curb appeal can significantly lower your home’s value, while an unkempt yard with difficult-to-maintain plants or a hazardous dead tree can also have a negative impact. To maximize your home’s appraisal value, opt for a simple, easy-to-maintain landscape design that appeals to a wide range of buyers. A well-maintained yard not only enhances your home’s aesthetics but also increases its market value, making it a wise investment in the long run.

Bedroom Count

During the appraisal process, your home will be compared to similar properties in the area with the same number of bedrooms to determine its worth. Generally, one-bedroom homes tend to sell for less because they are less appealing to families. Therefore, if your home currently has only one bedroom and you’re contemplating a home addition, adding more bedrooms could substantially increase its appraisal value. This enhancement not only adds functional space but also enhances the overall value and marketability of your home.

The Home’s Age

When it comes to your home’s appraisal value, its age plays a significant role. Surprisingly, newer homes don’t always outshine older ones in this aspect. Both new and old homes come with their own set of advantages. Newer homes, typically constructed within the last two decades, often have fewer major issues, making them lower risk investments and consequently increasing their appraisal value. On the other hand, older homes, especially those located in historic districts or meticulously maintained over the years, can also fetch a high appraisal value.

The age of your home is just one of the many factors that influence its appraisal value. Newer homes, built within the last 10 to 20 years, are generally seen as less risky investments due to their reduced likelihood of major issues. However, older homes that have been well-maintained or are located in historically significant areas can also command high appraisal values. Understanding these factors can help you better assess the potential value of your home.

Bathroom Count

Having multiple bathrooms in your home can significantly boost its appraisal value. For instance, a home with three full bathrooms will generally be appraised higher than a comparable home with only one and a half bathrooms. This increase in value is due to the added convenience and functionality that multiple bathrooms offer, making your home more appealing to potential buyers or renters.

Additionally, having more bathrooms can improve the overall living experience in your home. With multiple bathrooms, there is less competition for bathroom use, especially during busy mornings or when entertaining guests. This can lead to a more harmonious living environment and increased satisfaction among residents.

Square Footage

The total square footage of your home is a crucial aspect that appraisers consider when determining its appraisal value. This figure is not just about the overall size but also how the space is utilized within the home. The appraiser assesses the portion of square footage that is considered usable and livable. While a finished basement may be livable, appraisers typically only include the above-grade square footage in their calculations. Despite this, a finished basement can still contribute to the overall value of the home, making it an important factor to consider during the appraisal process.

It’s important to note that appraisers take into account various factors when evaluating your home’s square footage. They assess not only the size of the home but also how the space is utilized. Understanding how these elements impact your home’s value can help you prepare for the appraisal process and potentially increase the value of your home.

Storage Capacity

When assessing a home’s value, one crucial aspect that appraisers consider is its storage space. Homes equipped with spacious closets, a functional basement, and a sizable attic for storage purposes tend to be appraised at higher values. Homebuyers, especially those seeking to upsize, often prioritize the availability of storage space when making purchasing decisions. Therefore, the amount and usability of storage areas are significant factors that appraisers take into account when determining a property’s value.

Adequate storage space is not just a convenience but also a valuable asset that enhances a home’s appeal and, consequently, its appraisal value. Homeowners who invest in optimizing their storage areas, such as adding shelves or organizing systems, can potentially increase their property’s worth. Additionally, highlighting the functionality and capacity of storage spaces during a home sale can attract buyers seeking ample storage, thereby positively impacting the home’s perceived value.

Heat and Air

Homes equipped with central air conditioning typically receive higher appraisals compared to those relying on room-by-room air conditioning units. Similarly, the fuel source for your heating system—be it electric, gas, or oil—also plays a role in the valuation process. Outdated or inefficient systems can lower your home’s appraisal value.

Moreover, the condition and efficiency of your heating and cooling systems are crucial. Outdated or inefficient systems can negatively impact your home’s value. Ensuring your systems are up-to-date and well-maintained can not only increase your home’s appraisal value but also make it more appealing to potential buyers.

Garage Area

Homes with larger garages, such as those with space for three cars, tend to receive higher appraisal values compared to homes with smaller, single-car garages, even if the other features are similar. This is because the ability to park multiple cars is a significant factor for many homebuyers and adds to the overall appeal and value of the property.

Additionally, the presence of a garage itself can impact the appraisal value. Homes without garages may be appraised lower than those with garages, as the convenience and utility of having a dedicated parking space are highly valued by many potential buyers. Therefore, whether a home has a garage, and the size of that garage, are important considerations that can influence its appraisal value.

Local Attractions

Local attractions can significantly impact your home’s appraisal value. For instance, living near a picturesque lake, serene pond, or stunning ocean with beach access can significantly boost your property’s worth. Similarly, having neighborhood amenities such as parks, playgrounds, and biking paths nearby can also increase your home’s appraisal value. On the other hand, undesirable features like industrial facilities, landfills, power plants, and other developments can have a negative effect on your home’s appraisal value.

Current Real Estate Market

In the realm of real estate, the current market conditions play a pivotal role in determining the appraisal value of your home. In a “seller’s market,” where demand from buyers outweighs the available inventory, homes tend to be appraised higher. Conversely, in a “buyer’s market,” where there’s an abundance of homes and fewer buyers, appraisal values may be lower.

Several factors can sway the real estate market, including the inventory of homes and the variety of properties in your area. Economic cycles also play a role, with shifts between buyer’s and seller’s markets impacting prices. The growth or decline of nearby towns or cities can also influence demand. Additionally, factors like interest rates, mortgage availability, confidence in the stock and real estate markets, as well as overall buyer confidence, all contribute to the dynamic nature of the real estate market.

Comparable Properties

When appraising a home, one of the key factors that influences its value is the comparison with similar properties, known as comps. Appraisers carefully examine recently sold homes in the vicinity that share similar characteristics such as the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, updates, and square footage. These comparable homes serve as benchmarks for determining the appraisal value. It’s crucial to consider your neighborhood’s characteristics when planning upgrades. For instance, a luxurious bathroom renovation could be a wise investment if it aligns with the standard features of homes in your area. However, it may not be financially beneficial if it significantly raises the price of your home beyond what other properties in the neighborhood are selling for.

Conclusion

Securing a fair appraisal is a crucial step when you’re preparing to sell your home, as it lays the foundation for a successful sale. Factors influencing your home’s appraisal value range from its location and structural integrity to its design style and storage capacity. Block Appraisals, your local source for expert property evaluations, proudly serves all five boroughs with tailored appraisals for residential and commercial properties. Understanding these key influencers, such as the impact of your home’s age, design, and square footage, can help you make informed decisions to maximize your home’s value. Additionally, considering the current real estate market and local attractions can further enhance your home’s appeal and appraisal value. With Block Appraisals’ expert insight, you can confidently navigate the appraisal process and ensure your home is accurately priced for the market.