I’m in the process of refinancing my condo with my current mortgage company. The next step is getting an appraisal and I’m a bit apprehensive. I hope other dopers can give me serious answers.
I’m a slob. Seriously, I’ve got books, magazines and what not thrown everywhere. It’s dusty and I haven’t run the vacuum cleaner in I don’t know how long. I don’t know how long I’ve got to clean, but I don’t plan on getting rid of any of my reading material until I read it (duh). As long as I don’t have a couple of tons of newspapers and books pressing against the walls, will this count against me at the appraisal?
Will the appraiser want me to be there when he/she inspects my unit? It’s a one bedroom, 1 ½ bath unit and should take the appraiser about 10 minutes max to walk through.
Feel free to bring up other points I may have forgotten. Thanks for your replies.
I had an appraisal a couple of months ago. On the advice of my mother, a former real estate agent, I did a quick pick up and wipe down. I also had a neighborhood kid cut the grass and trim my bushes. I also took the time to rinse the porch and some of the siding. They are going to take pictures! I didn’t go apeshit, but spent about 3 hours straightening up. Bottom line, if an appraiser is good they will see beyond clutter and be able to truly decern your place’s value despite the disarray. They are, however, human and it can’t hurt.
The appraiser will need access to the inside of your home, every room, every closet, and if you have one, the garage. It makes me uncomfortable to have someone probe my house without my presence but if you don’t care, I’m sure they won’t either. Just make sure everything is unlocked!