We've discussed pre-listing appraisals and the impact they can have on your sale before. Recently, though, we did a pre-listing appraisal for a wonderful couple who was looking to sell their home and buy a ranch to retire on. They lived in a desirable community and had kept their house impeccably maintained, but they hadn't done any major updates in a few years, and they wanted an appraiser's opinion on what could make their house sell for even more. They were working with a budget, and they didn't want to end up putting money into the house that wouldn't improve the selling price. They asked us to come in and give an unbiased opinion on what updates could help their house sell at the top of the market.
We thought this was a great idea, as many times we see homeowners who are upset when the updates that they expected to greatly increase the value of their home actually have little to no effect. Other things that they might not even mention because they think of them as "normal upkeep" can be great selling points and make a home comparable with higher quality homes. The reality is that while some things can be very special to homeowners and make their experience with the home more enjoyable, those same things might not translate to a higher value. It can be very hard for homeowners to give an unbiased evaluation of their house and imagine things from a buyer's perspective, as they already have an emotional outlook on the place they have made a home. A pre-listing appraisal can help sell your home not only by helping you decide which updates would best improve the value, but it is also a great bargaining tool when buyers start making offers.
If you are interested in having Sacramento Appraisal Group do a pre-listing appraisal on your home, give us a call today! We love to help our clients sell their homes for what they deserve.
)
