Home Appraisal When Selling

You’ve accepted an offer—congrats! But before closing, there’s one more critical step that can make or break the deal: the home appraisal.

Whether you’re a first-time seller or a seasoned pro, understanding the appraisal process helps you stay in control and avoid costly surprises. Here's what to expect—and how to prepare.

What Is a Home Appraisal?

A home appraisal is an unbiased estimate of your home’s value conducted by a licensed appraiser.

It’s usually required by the buyer’s lender to ensure the home is worth the loan amount.

Key Point: The appraisal protects the lender—not you or the buyer.

When Does the Appraisal Happen?

It typically occurs within the first 1–2 weeks after the buyer’s offer is accepted.

The lender schedules the appraiser after the buyer completes their loan application.

What Does the Appraiser Look At?

1.) 🏠 Interior & Exterior Condition

General upkeep (roof, foundation, HVAC, plumbing)
Age and condition of appliances and systems
Flooring, walls, windows, and fixtures

2.) 📏 Size & Layout

Square footage
Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
Functional flow of the space

3.) 🌳 Lot and Location

Lot size, landscaping, and curb appeal
School district, proximity to amenities, and neighborhood quality

4.) 📋 Comparable Sales (Comps)

Recent sales of similar homes nearby
Market trends and time on market

What You Can Do to Prepare

✅ 1. Tidy Up & Make Minor Repairs

While it's not a full inspection, appearance still matters.
Patch wall holes, replace lightbulbs, fix leaky faucets.
Clean the home thoroughly—clutter can affect perceived value.

✅ 2. Boost Curb Appeal

Mow the lawn, trim shrubs, and touch up paint.
A good first impression sets the tone for the entire visit.

✅ 3. List Your Upgrades

Leave a printed sheet detailing any recent improvements:
New roof, HVAC, windows, flooring, etc.
Dates and costs help appraisers justify higher value.

✅ 4. Provide Access
Ensure all areas (garage, attic, basement) are easily accessible.

What Happens After the Appraisal?
✅ If the Appraisal Matches or Exceeds the Offer Price Great news! The deal moves forward as planned.

⚠️ If the Appraisal Comes in Low
This can create a financing issue.

Your options:

1.) Renegotiate the purchase price
2.) Ask the buyer to cover the difference in cash
3.) Challenge the appraisal with additional comps
4.) Cancel the contract (depending on terms)

Pro Tip: A strong listing agent can help guide you through this negotiation.

Final Thoughts

Appraisals may feel out of your hands—but a little preparation goes a long way. Present your home in the best light, keep a list of upgrades ready, and lean on your agent’s expertise to navigate the results.

At the Limbird Team, we prepare our sellers in advance so appraisals don’t derail the sale.

🧾 Selling Soon? Let’s Get Your Home Appraisal-Ready.

We help sellers in Northwest Arkansas understand what their home is worth before they hit the market.

📞 Call us today at (479) 305-2179 | 🌐 Visit www.limbirdteam.com |📍 Trusted experts in Bentonville, Rogers, Springdale, Fayetteville & beyond.