Introduction

If you’ve ever sold or refinanced a home, you’ve likely experienced the nail-biting moment when the appraisal comes in.

Will it meet your expectations? Will it match the sale price? And what exactly does the appraiser look for, anyway?

Appraisals can feel like a mystery but they don’t have to. At The Mavins Group, we help buyers and sellers navigate every stage of the real estate process with clarity, including this critical step. Here’s what really happens behind the scenes of a home appraisal and how you can prepare for success.

What Is a Home Appraisal (and Why It Matters)

A home appraisal is an unbiased professional opinion of a property’s market value, conducted by a licensed appraiser.

Lenders require it during a mortgage process to ensure the home’s value supports the loan amount, but even cash buyers and sellers benefit from understanding what a property is truly worth.

In short: the appraisal helps protect both the buyer and the bank from overpaying or over-lending on a property.

What Appraisers Actually Look For

Many homeowners assume an appraiser’s job is to “judge” décor or taste, but that’s not the case. Instead, appraisers evaluate factors that affect long-term value, such as:

Location & Neighborhood Trends: Proximity to schools, amenities, transportation, and comparable sales in the area.
Condition & Maintenance: Structural integrity, age of major systems (roof, HVAC, plumbing), and visible upkeep.
Size & Layout: Square footage, bedroom and bathroom count, flow of the floor plan, and usable living space.
Upgrades & Improvements: Renovations or updates that add value such as modern kitchens, energy-efficient systems, or finished basements.
Curb Appeal: First impressions matter! Landscaping, exterior condition, and even paint quality can influence perceived value.

Appraisers use these factors, along with recent comparable home sales (“comps”), to determine the final appraised value.

How to Prepare Your Home for an Appraisal

While you can’t control market comps, you can make sure your home looks its best and tells the right story of care and value.

Here’s how to set the stage, literally:

Declutter and Deep Clean.
A tidy, organized home feels well-maintained and inviting. It signals to the appraiser that the property has been cared for.
Tackle Minor Repairs.
Fix leaky faucets, cracked tiles, or peeling paint before the appraisal. These small details can subtly influence perceived condition.
Highlight Upgrades.
Create a simple list of improvements like a new roof, windows, appliances, or HVAC system, to hand to the appraiser.
Maximize Curb Appeal.
Mow the lawn, trim shrubs, and clear walkways. The appraiser’s first impression starts outside.
Stage for Value.
Professionally staged homes not only show better to buyers but can also help appraisers see the full potential of your space. The Mavins Group’s staging and organizing services make this process effortless—and the results often speak for themselves.

Staging can impact your home's appraisal result

What Happens If the Appraisal Comes in Low

It’s every seller’s fear but it’s not the end of the deal. If your appraisal value comes in below the agreed-upon price, you still have options:

Rebut the appraisal: Your agent can review the report and provide additional comps or missing information.
Negotiate: The buyer and seller can agree to meet in the middle or adjust terms.
Make strategic improvements: Even minor updates can sometimes justify a new, higher appraisal.

At The Mavins Group, we’ve seen many clients successfully overcome low appraisals through smart preparation and data-backed communication.

The Bigger Picture

An appraisal isn’t a final judgment. It’s a snapshot of your home’s value at a specific moment in time. With thoughtful preparation and the right professional support, it can become an opportunity to showcase your home’s quality and care.

Real estate is ultimately a long-term investment, and appraisals are one way to measure how well that investment is performing.

If you’re planning to sell, refinance, or simply want to understand your home’s true worth, let The Mavins Group guide you. We’ll help you stage, organize, and present your property at its absolute best, so the value reflects not just the market, but the care you’ve put into your home.

👉 Ready to prepare your home for the best possible appraisal? Contact The Mavins Group today for expert guidance on staging, decluttering, and move management that can help you maximize your home’s value.