Whether you're refinancing or selling, the appraisal is one of the most important steps in the Texas real estate process. A strong appraisal can:
✔️ Protect your equity
✔️ Help your buyer’s loan get approved
✔️ Support your contract price
✔️ Prevent renegotiation
✔️ Keep your closing on track
Appraisers don’t expect perfection, but they do expect the home to show well, function properly, and reflect typical condition for our market.
Here’s exactly how I advise homeowners in Frisco, Prosper, McKinney, Plano, Celina, Little Elm, Allen, Aubrey, Sherman, and across North Texas to prep for an appraisal.
1. Make a Strong First Impression
Appraisers are human—they notice what buyers notice.
✔️ Mow the lawn
✔️ Edge the sidewalks
✔️ Trim trees and bushes
✔️ Mulch beds if needed
✔️ Remove clutter from porches
✔️ Clean the entryway
A clean exterior sets the tone that the home has been cared for.
2. Declutter & Clean the Interior
The home doesn’t need to look like a model, but it should feel organized and maintained.
✔️ Make beds
✔️ Put toys away
✔️ Clear kitchen counters
✔️ Tidy bathroom vanities
✔️ Reduce visual clutter
✔️ Remove excess furniture
✔️ Clean floors and surfaces
Appraisers don’t adjust for cleanliness, but a tidy home makes it easier for them to evaluate condition.
3. Complete Small Repairs Beforehand
Minor issues can signal bigger concerns.
Fix items such as:
✔️ Leaky faucets
✔️ Running toilets
✔️ Loose doorknobs
✔️ Cracked outlets/switch plates
✔️ Broken blinds
✔️ Missing caulk
✔️ Lightbulbs that are out
✔️ Squeaky doors
A home that feels well-maintained supports a higher valuation.
4. Ensure All Systems Are Working Properly
Appraisers check functionality.
✔️ HVAC blowing cold/hot
✔️ All lights working
✔️ Appliances turning on
✔️ Toilets flushing
✔️ Hot water heater operating
✔️ Doors opening/closing smoothly
If something doesn’t work, the appraiser will note it.
5. Make Sure the Appraiser Has Full Access
Appraisers must be able to inspect:
✔️ Attic
✔️ Garage
✔️ Electrical panel
✔️ Water heater
✔️ HVAC units
✔️ All rooms
✔️ Exterior areas
Unlock gates, sheds, garage doors, and side yards.
Accessibility speeds the appraisal and prevents delays.
6. Create a List of Upgrades & Improvements
I always recommend creating a typed list to hand to the appraiser.
Include:
✔️ Flooring updates
✔️ Kitchen remodels
✔️ Bathroom upgrades
✔️ HVAC replacements
✔️ Roof replacement
✔️ Windows
✔️ Water heaters
✔️ Foundation repairs
✔️ Pool installation
✔️ Outdoor living additions
✔️ Smart-home features
✔️ New appliances
✔️ Landscaping upgrades
Add year completed and cost, if available.
Appraisers appreciate documented improvements—it makes their job easier and can influence valuation.
7. Highlight Recent Major Improvements
These matter most in DFW:
✔️ Roof replaced (wind/hail is a big factor here)
✔️ HVAC replaced
✔️ Foundation repairs with warranty
✔️ Updated kitchen or bathrooms
✔️ Energy-efficient window replacement
✔️ New flooring
I always emphasize big-ticket items to the appraiser.
8. Make the Home Comfortable During the Visit
A pleasant environment helps create a positive impression.
✔️ Keep the house cool in summer
✔️ Warm in winter
✔️ Eliminate odors
✔️ Remove pets if possible
✔️ Keep the home quiet
Appraisers spend 20–40 minutes inside—they should feel comfortable and able to focus.
9. Provide Neighborhood Information (Optional but Helpful)
If your neighborhood has:
✔️ Parks
✔️ Pools
✔️ Fitness centers
✔️ Trails
✔️ Award-winning schools
…say so.
Appraisers sometimes miss neighborhood nuances, especially in rapidly growing areas like Frisco, Prosper, and Celina.
10. Know What Appraisers Do Not Care About
❌ Décor
❌ Furniture
❌ Paint colors
❌ Kids’ rooms being messy
❌ Your personal style
❌ What you originally paid
❌ Zestimates
They care about:
✔️ Square footage
✔️ Floor plan functionality
✔️ Condition
✔️ Lot value
✔️ Comparable sales
✔️ Upgrades
✔️ Location
That’s it.
11. How Texas Appraisers Determine Value
Appraisers use:
✔️ Recent MLS sales
✔️ Similar homes within your subdivision
✔️ Price per square foot
✔️ Adjustments for condition & upgrades
✔️ Lot premiums
✔️ Builder comparisons
✔️ School district considerations
✔️ Market trends
Because Texas is a non-disclosure state, appraisers rely heavily on private MLS comps, not public websites.
12. My Rule of Thumb
Make the home look clean, functional, and well-maintained—and give the appraiser everything they need to build a strong report.
Bottom Line: A Strong Appraisal Protects Your Sale and Your Equity
When I represent you, I help you:
✔️ Prepare the home for the appraiser
✔️ Organize improvement lists
✔️ Identify upgrades that matter
✔️ Understand your neighborhood comps
✔️ Avoid obstacles that lower value
✔️ Highlight what makes your home special
Appraisers are objective, but preparation matters—and I make sure you’re ready.
Want Help Prepping Your Home for an Appraisal?
I’m happy to walk your property and create a personalized checklist.
📞 Call or Text: (254) 644-5297✉️ Email Me
