How to Prepare for a Home Appraisal in Tennessee
Whether you’re refinancing or selling, the home appraisal plays a big role in determining your property’s value. In Tennessee’s market, where values can vary a lot from one neighborhood to the next, a well-prepared appraisal visit can help ensure your home is represented accurately.
Here’s how to make sure your home shows at its best.
1. Start with basic maintenance
Appraisers don’t expect a perfect house, but they do take overall condition into account. Fix small issues like leaky faucets, loose doorknobs, cracked tiles, or burned-out bulbs. A home that feels well-maintained gives the impression that bigger systems (HVAC, plumbing, roof) are also in good shape.
If you have obvious deferred maintenance, like peeling paint or damaged siding, it’s worth addressing it before the visit.
2. Focus on curb appeal
First impressions matter just as much to appraisers as they do to buyers. Mow the lawn, trim bushes, sweep porches, and clean up any clutter outside.
In many Middle Tennessee neighborhoods, a freshly painted front door or new exterior light fixture can subtly boost perceived value. The goal is to make your home look cared for from the moment the appraiser pulls up.
3. Highlight recent upgrades
Appraisers can’t always see the work you’ve done unless you point it out. Create a short list of updates made in the past few years, new roof, HVAC replacement, kitchen remodel, flooring upgrades, or major landscaping work.
If possible, include approximate dates and costs. A quick one-page summary handed to the appraiser during the visit helps them document improvements accurately in their report.
4. Make your home easy to inspect
The appraiser will need to walk through every room and may also check the attic, crawl space, or exterior utilities. Make sure all areas are accessible and well-lit. Move boxes or furniture if they block access to major components.
This saves time and makes the process smoother for everyone involved.
5. Understand how comps work
Appraisers base much of their valuation on comparable sales (or “comps”) in your neighborhood. These are homes that recently sold and are similar in size, age, and condition.
In parts of Tennessee where neighborhoods vary widely, a local lender familiar with your market can often help you understand which recent sales the appraiser might use for comparison. That insight helps you set realistic expectations before the visit.
6. Relax and be professional
The appraiser isn’t there to critique your decorating choices; they’re there to determine a fair market value. Be polite, answer questions, and let them work without interruption. You can point out features that add value, but avoid pressuring them or commenting on what you “need” the value to be.
The Bottom Line
A clean, well-maintained, and well-documented home usually appraises stronger than one that feels neglected. A little effort before the visit can go a long way.
If you’re preparing for an appraisal as part of a refinance, visit HomeLoanLocals.com. You’ll be matched with one or two trusted Tennessee lenders who’ll guide you through every step of the process—clearly, locally, and without the endless sales calls.