Home appraisal checklist: Everything you need to prepare

Whether you're buying a home, selling one, or looking to leverage equity, a home appraisal is a crucial—and unavoidable—part of the journey. 

For most, the process itself can feel a little mysterious. What exactly are appraisers looking at when they stroll through a home, clipboard and camera in hand? And more importantly, what can you do to prepare?

In this post, we'll demystify the process and provide you with a home appraisal checklist to help you navigate with ease—no matter your goal.

What does an appraiser look at?

A home appraiser is a licensed professional who reviews a property to estimate the fair market value—staying an independent third-party participant in the transaction. 

The appraiser's role is solely to provide an unbiased, expert opinion that helps mortgage lenders avoid lending more than the home is worth—it also gives buyers and homeowners peace of mind that the value is fair and impartial.

When evaluating a property, an appraiser will look at:

• Comparable home sales (comps): Recent sale prices of similar homes in the area are used to set a benchmark.
• General condition of the home: This includes visible wear and tear, structural integrity, and signs of maintenance or neglect.
• Size and layout: Total square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and overall functionality of the floor plan.
• Upgrades and renovations: New kitchens, updated bathrooms, energy-efficient systems, or permitted additions can positively influence value.
• Curb appeal: Landscaping, exterior paint, roofing condition, and general first impression.
• Safety and health standards: Smoke detectors, handrails, ventilation, and pest issues are all on the radar.
• Neighborhood factors: Location, proximity to schools and amenities, and overall market conditions in the area.

FHA, USDA, and VA appraisals

Appraisals for government-backed loans are more thorough—the appraiser will not only assess the market value but also make sure the property meets certain safety and livability standards.

FHA and USDA loans: These programs require homes to meet the Minimum Property Standards (MPS) of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This means the appraiser will be extra attentive to things like:

• Peeling paint (especially in homes built before 1978).
• Water damage or mold.
• Adequate heating, plumbing, and electrical systems.
• Functional appliances.
• Roof and foundation stability.
• No trip hazards or exposed wiring.

VA loan appraisals: These require a VA-approved appraiser who follows the VA’s Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs). These include many of the same checks as FHA and USDA loans, but also emphasize:

• Adequate living space for the veteran and their family.
• Safe access to the home (paved or maintained roads).
• Clean water supply and proper sewage disposal.
• Pest inspection (termite reports are often mandatory in certain states).

Home appraisal checklist for buyers

For buyers, an appraisal offers a clear look under the hood of a home. Here's how to prepare for a home appraisal as a prospective buyer:

• Talk to your real estate agent about an appraisal contingency: An appraisal contingency allows you to back out of a purchase if the appraised value is less than the agreed-upon purchase price. Why is this crucial? Without one in place, you may have to negotiate with the seller or cover the appraisal gap out of pocket.
• Review recent comparable sales: Having a pulse on the local market can help you set benchmarks for the appraised value.  
• Ask to see a copy of the final appraisal report: Lenders are required to provide copies, so don't feel shy about following up. Reviewing the report can provide insight into necessary repairs or enhancements you may have missed during a walk-through.
• Have a plan: If the home appraises low but you still want to buy the property, consider negotiating with the seller to lower the price, increasing your down payment, or challenging the appraisal with more recent or relevant comps. 

Home appraisal checklist for sellers

If you’re preparing to sell your home, the appraisal can make or break your deal. A strong appraisal report supports your asking price and helps keep the sale on track.

Here’s how to get top dollar for your home.

• Clean and declutter: A well-maintained, clutter-free home can improve first impressions and make your home appear more valuable.
• Minor repairs matter: Fix leaky faucets, squeaky doors, chipped paint, or damaged trim to show your home is well cared for.
• Document improvements: Provide receipts and permits for any renovations—especially high-impact ones like kitchen remodels or HVAC upgrades.
• Boost curb appeal: Mow the lawn, trim bushes, add fresh mulch, and refresh exterior paint to enhance the home’s exterior appearance.
• Safety checks: Ensure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are installed and functional, and secure loose handrails or steps.
• Consider high ROI upgrades: Small improvements like fresh paint, updated lighting, new hardware, or a minor kitchen or bath refresh can enhance appeal without a major investment.
• Prepare a fact sheet: Share information on the age of the roof, HVAC, and other major systems, as well as neighborhood perks or recent area developments.

Pro tip: You don’t have to wait for a buyer’s lender to initiate an appraisal. In fact, getting a pre-listing appraisal—especially if you own an older home—can help you identify repairs or upgrades that could improve your appraisal down the line.

Home appraisal checklist for homeowners looking to tap equity

When you're planning to turn home wealth into financial flexibility, every dollar counts. Here’s how to set your home up for success.

• Understand appraisal type: Not all appraisals require a home walkthrough. Ask your lender what type they need—some accept faster, lower-cost options like desktop or drive-by appraisals. However, a full in-person appraisal may be required for certain loans or if your home has unique features. Knowing the difference can save time and money.
• Tackle priority deferred maintenance: Address critical issues like a leaking roof, broken HVAC, or significant structural damage. Some home equity lenders won’t approve loans for properties with unresolved safety risks or major repairs needed. 
• Clean and stage: A clean, clutter-free, and neutral space allows the appraiser to focus on the home’s features—not distractions.
• Provide improvement records: Gather receipts, permits, and before-and-after photos to show the full scope of completed upgrades.
• Highlight standout features: Point out additions like solar panels, smart thermostats, finished basements, or detached guest units that may add value.

Frequently asked questions

What negatively affects a home appraisal?

Any findings that hinder your home's condition or appeal can negatively affect an appraisal. This includes visible signs of neglect or deferred maintenance—think leaky roof, testy electrical systems, or worn-out flooring. Outdated features—like an old kitchen that hasn’t been updated in decades—can also bring down the value, especially if comparable homes in your area have been renovated. 

Market conditions matter, too. If home prices in your neighborhood are trending down or there have been a lot of distressed sales nearby, your appraisal could reflect that. 

The good news? Many of these issues are fixable. Small improvements, tidying up, and taking care of necessary repairs before the appraiser visits can make a noticeable difference.

What do home appraisers look for when refinancing?

When getting an appraisal for a refinance or any other form of equity financing, the appraiser is generally looking to verify that the home's value supports the loan amount. To do this, they'll review the condition of the home, property features, and comparable homes in your area to back up their valuation. It’s all about helping the lender—and you—feel confident in the numbers.

What should you do with a low appraisal? 

A low appraisal can be frustrating for all parties involved. However, there are a few options to consider before throwing in the towel. First, review the report for any mistakes or missing comps. Depending on what you find, talk to the lender about submitting a reconsideration of value.

If you’re the buyer, you may want to try negotiating with the seller or adjust your financing strategy to keep things moving forward.

Final thoughts

A home appraisal is more than just a box to check—it’s key to learning about the health of a home and its market value. Whether you’re buying your first home, selling your current one, or tapping into your equity to reach new goals, understanding the appraisal process puts you in the driver’s seat.

Preparation is everything, and small details can have a big impact on the outcome. Use the right checklist for your situation, and you’ll walk into your appraisal feeling informed and empowered.