Most homeowners pay attention to ensuring that their property is presentable when they are about to sell their homes. One of the questions is: Would a home of sparkling cleanliness sell at a higher price? The solution lies in the comprehension of the mechanism of home appraisal and what aspects the appraisers take into account when estimating the value of a home.
This article Breaks down the connection between the home appraisal and cleanliness, and the tips specific to the homeowners.
What is a Home Appraisal?
Then go deep into the issue of cleanliness to understand its impact, it’s important to know what a home appraisal is. A home appraisal is the professionally determined value of a home, most often by a licenced appraiser. Banks and mortgage lenders need the appraisals as they want to make sure that the loan is worth the home.
Among other things, appraisers consider:
- Location
- Size and layout
- Age and condition
- Similar sales (homes sold recently in the nearby neighbourhoods)
- Market trends.
Does Cleanliness Affect Home Appraisal?
The Short Answer: Not Directly.
Appraisers emphasize the structural and functional components of a house more than the cleanliness of a house. They will evaluate the state of the roof, foundation, electric, plumbing and other physical characteristics that will affect the value of the home.
A shiny house is not going to necessarily raise the appraisal by thousands of dollars, but it can indirectly have an influence.
Why? Because Condition Matters
Cleanliness is not one of the items in the appraisal report, but overall condition. The messy or untidy house may hide damage or repairs and thus the appraiser may not accurately assess them. In case the issues like water damage, cracks, and old fixtures are covered with dirt, grime, or clutter, the appraiser may estimate a worse state and diminish the value.
How Cleanliness Can Influence Perceived Value
First Impressions Matter
First impressions can be important in the real estate markets such as Toronto, Vancouver or Calgary. A neat and hygienic house is a sign to the appraiser (and potential buyers) that the house has been well maintained.
Highlighting the Home’s Strengths
The home should be sparkling-clean to allow appraisers and buyers to view the good aspects of the home. Polished floors, clean kitchens and tidy bathrooms indicate that the house is ready to be occupied.
This perceived attention may affect subjective aspects of the appraisal concerning condition of the home to increase confidence in the value estimate.
Cleanliness and Comparable Sales
Appraisers place a lot of importance on similar sales in order to derive the value of a home. Comparable Properties refer to the like properties within the same neighbourhood which have been sold in the recent past.
Cleanliness is not a consideration to the price; however, the state of those residences is. Assuming that the homes of comparison are clean and well maintained, then a dirty or cluttered home may be rated lower because of its state.
Preparing Your Home for Appraisal
The following are some of the realistic measures that you can use to maximize the appraisal value of your home by paying attention to neatness and maintenance:
Deep Clean Every Room
- Vacuum and mop floors
- Clean windows inside and out
- Sweep all surfaces, baseboards and light fixtures
- Wash out dishes, sinks, and surfaces.
Declutter and Organize
- Eliminate needless furniture to create space.
- Crystal cutting board and shelves.
- Arrange the storage and closets in a way that they appear big.
Fix Minor Repairs
- Patch holes or cracks in walls
- Repair leaking faucets and overflowing toilets
- Replace light bulbs that are burned out
- Repair any visible damage.
Improve Curb Appeal
- Mow the lawn and trim shrubs
- Sweep walkways and porches
- Wash the garage door and the front door
- Add some new mulch or new seasonal flowers.
What Appraisers Look for Beyond Cleanliness
Structural Integrity
The walls, foundation and roof should be in good condition. Any type of damage or required repair will affect the appraisal.
Functional Systems
The cold climate in Canada requires heating systems in particular. Maintained furnace or heat pump is valuable attribute as is efficient plumbing and electrical wiring.
Upgrades and Renovations
Value can be added to the property through recent renovation, particularly in the kitchens and bathrooms, but should be professionally done. These improvements are displayed with the assistance of cleanliness.
The Role of Professional Home Stagers vs. Cleanliness
There are some homeowners who invest in professional home staging. Staging includes properly setting out furniture and decor to impress the buyers and this makes the home look more friendly.
Whereas staging is aimed at aesthetics, cleanliness is a principle. An appraiser and purchaser will not be impressed with a well-staged dirty home.
Common Misconceptions About Cleanliness and Appraisal
“I Don’t Need to Clean; the Appraiser Only Checks Structural Details”
Appraisers really do examine structure but they also observe the general condition of the home. Sanitation assists them in performing their work properly.
“Cleaning Won’t Change the Appraisal Value”
Although cleaning in itself will not make the value radically different, failing to do so may make the appraiser undervalue the property.
How Clean Homes Help During the Buyer’s Inspection
And not only about the appraisal, a clean house usually results in less complicated home inspection which is a very important process to buyers. Inspectors are checking maintenance problems and a tidy home can imply proper maintenance leading to fewer red flags.