Hey friends, I have a guest post today.  I hope you enjoy!

 

Ever walked through your home and thought, “This place is worth more than Zillow says”?
You’re not alone. Plenty of homeowners feel that way—especially when they've put in hours repainting, planting flowers, or hanging trendy light fixtures. But when the appraisal comes in lower than expected, the frustration sets in. Suddenly that cracked tile in the hallway or the drafty window in the guest room seems less harmless than before.

Home appraisals are a mix of science, math, and someone else's judgment. Appraisers
have a checklist, a time crunch, and often a conservative approach. What you see as “charming” might get flagged as “outdated.” And in today’s market—where rates are shifting,
inventory is tight, and buyers are pickier than ever—your home’s little issues can make a big
difference.

In this blog, we will share the small but significant home issues that often fly under the radar
yet quietly hurt your home appraisal—and what you can do about them.

Minor Updates, Major Impact

We tend to think big when we think value: new roofs, kitchen overhauls, open floor plans.
Those projects matter, but the small stuff chips away at your appraisal too. Peeling paint, uneven flooring, or stained ceilings tell a story. It’s a story of neglect—even if the reality is
just busy weekends and budget constraints.

Take your bathroom, for instance. You might not need a full remodel, but even surface-level
fixes go a long way. Appraisers are trained to look for signs of wear, leaks, or mold. Grout
that's permanently gray, fixtures from another decade, or poor ventilation can quietly knock down your score.

That's why many homeowners consult with experienced bathroom remodelers before listing their home. Not to gut the entire room, but to refresh and remove visual red flags. A modern faucet, re-caulked tub, and a fresh coat of mildew-resistant paint can speak volumes to an appraiser who walks into ten properties a week.

Lighting is another underrated factor. Dim bulbs or old fixtures can make a clean room look
sad. Bright, well-lit rooms feel bigger and more inviting—and that can tip the scale in your
favor.

It’s Not Just What You See

Some of the biggest hits to your home’s value come from things you can’t spot right away.
Ever had an appraiser ask about the age of your HVAC or the last time you cleaned the
chimney? These may not be daily thoughts for you, but they’re line items for them.

An aging water heater or a furnace on its last leg can be flagged as a future cost for a buyer.
Appraisers are trained to think like lenders—if something might need replacing soon, it could affect financing terms. That’s why it’s smart to get maintenance records in order before the appraisal. If you’ve serviced the HVAC annually or upgraded the water heater in the last five years, show proof.

Creaky doors or unbalanced floors? Those might signal foundation concerns. You might
know it’s nothing serious—just an older home with character—but to an outsider with a
checklist, it raises eyebrows. It’s worth getting a professional opinion and, if needed, a small
repair before someone else turns it into a dealbreaker.

Landscaping: More Than Curb Appeal

Yard maintenance isn’t just for aesthetics—it impacts perceived upkeep. If your grass is
dead, bushes overgrown, or walkway cracked, it gives the impression of deferred
maintenance. Appraisers consider curb appeal because buyers do. Even if the inside
sparkles, a messy yard lowers expectations before they walk in.

This doesn’t mean you need to turn your yard into a botanical garden. Just aim for neat and
functional. Trim hedges. Add mulch. Repair loose pavers. If you have outdoor lighting or a
sprinkler system, make sure they work. These extras don’t skyrocket your value, but they
can protect it from slipping.

Privacy is another subtle factor. Fencing, strategic shrubs, or a tall hedge can all boost the
sense of security—something buyers (and appraisers) appreciate more in certain
neighborhoods.

The Smell Test (Yes, Really)

Let’s talk about scent—because your appraiser will notice. We get nose-blind to our own
homes. That dog you love? The curry you cook every Friday? Appraisers might not be fans.
Odors don’t directly deduct from your home’s value, but they influence perception. A strong
smell can distract from the home’s condition or trigger assumptions about cleanliness.

Before an appraisal, air out your home. Use neutral candles or light cleaners—not heavy
perfumes. Wash pet bedding. And if you smoke, consider a deep clean or paint refresh.
Smells linger in walls and fabrics, and they can subconsciously lower the impression your
home leaves behind.

Fixes That Tell a Bigger Story

Some repairs are symbolic. A loose doorknob, flickering light, or chipped tile doesn’t cost
much to fix, but it sends a message. If these small things are ignored, what else might be?
Appraisers notice details because they’re cues. A well-maintained home usually has fewer
surprises.

That’s why the “little things” add up. Tighten screws, replace burnt-out bulbs, and fix that one stubborn cabinet hinge. You’re not just repairing a home—you’re building a case for value.

And let’s not forget safety. Missing smoke detectors, exposed wiring, or loose railings can
trigger concerns that affect your appraisal more than you’d think. These aren’t just code
issues. They’re signals of how seriously you’ve cared for the property.

A Fresh Eye, A Better Result

Before your appraisal, walk your house with someone who doesn’t live there. Ask what
stands out. What feels off? Sometimes we overlook things we see daily. A friend, neighbor,
or even a real estate agent can offer fresh perspective.

If possible, be present during the appraisal—but be polite. Don’t hover. Have your
maintenance records ready. Mention updates they might not see at a glance. You’re not
selling them, but you are providing context.

Keep the house clean, the lights on, and the tone friendly. It all helps. You don’t control the
outcome, but you can shape the experience.

The Appraisal Is Not Just a Number

In a shifting housing market, every dollar counts. Appraisals influence refinance terms, sale
prices, and equity lines. But more than that, they reflect how your home is perceived by
someone tasked with assigning value.

That value isn’t just about square footage or location. It’s about care, condition, and
confidence. Fixes that seem small can quietly protect or improve your appraisal—especially
when they show your home is well-loved and ready for the next chapter.