What could be done to a property to obtain the highest appraised value?
Andrew Ramirez
Published May 14, 2026
Here are five more home appraisal tips to ensure your home appraises as high as possible.
- Make those small repairs you’ve been postponing.
- Enhance your home’s curb appeal.
- Create a file of all recent improvements, upgrades, and tax documents.
- Know the comps in your area.
- Don’t be pushy.
How much does it cost to get a property appraised?
Generally, you will pay around $3-$500 for a professional valuation. For this fee you will receive a written report detailing the value of the property, along with explanations of how and why this value was determined.
How much over appraised value should I pay for a house?
Though there’s no law against paying more than a property’s appraised value, mortgage lenders almost never loan more than that value. In cases in which a property’s appraised value is less than sales price, the buyer and seller often find themselves in uncertain circumstances.
How can I get the most money out of my appraisal?
Here are eight ways you can bolster your appraisal:
- MAKE SURE APPRAISER KNOWS YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
- PROVIDE YOUR OWN COMPARABLES.
- KNOW WHAT ADDS THE MOST VALUE.
- DOCUMENT YOUR FIX-UPS.
- TALK UP YOUR TOWN.
- DISTINGUISH BETWEEN UPSTAIRS AND DOWNSTAIRS.
- CLEAN UP.
- GIVE THE APPRAISER SOME SPACE.
Who pays for the appraisal on a house?
buyer
Typically, the buyer pays for a home appraisal. The buyer can pay up front at the time of the appraisal or the appraiser’s fee can be included in closing costs. Yet while the buyer usually pays for the appraisal, he or she doesn’t order the appraisal.
How long do appraisals typically take?
An appraisal can generally take anywhere from one hour to one week to complete from the time it is ordered by the loan officer or mortgage company. The length of time varies depending on the approach that the appraiser takes.
What happens if a house doesn’t appraise for the selling price?
If an appraisal comes back low, a buyer can go back to the seller and negotiate a lower sale price. If the seller refuses, the buyer could end up walking away from the home completely. For the buyer and seller to both get what they want – a home that sells – the seller may seriously consider lowering the price.