New flooring can add a ton of perceived value, encourage higher offers, and even make a home sell faster, but it may not add dollars to your appraisal. Buyers may like the updated flooring and offer more as a result, but don't expect a higher appraised value.
The appraiser will look for water in the basement, plumbing problems, roof leaks, and any stains on the ceilings, floors, or walls.
One of the big things that can have a negative affect is the age and condition of the home's systems (HVAC, plumbing) and appliances. If the local market is declining, that'll also hurt your home's appraised value.
When it comes down to finding the best flooring to increase home value, it all boils down to your market. Hardwood will likely give you the highest return, but laminate and luxury vinyl plank flooring also offer plenty of perks to buyers.
Just keep your communication to the appraiser about the facts of the home and neighborhood, how you priced the house, and any other relevant information you think the appraiser should know. And remember, don't discuss value. Don't pressure the appraiser to 'hit the value' and you'll be fine.
Things that can hurt a home appraisal
A cluttered yard, bad paint job, overgrown grass and an overall neglected aesthetic may hurt your home appraisal. Broken appliances and outdated systems. By systems we mean plumbing, heating and cooling, and electrical systems.
In high-traffic areas it can show wear and tear, and laminate can't be sanded or refinished for an updated appearance. Because of its lower price point, laminate also won't do much for your home's resale value.
Even though it's not true hardwood, buyers will still appreciate the aesthetics and feel of these durable floors. This is what buyers really care about at the end of the day. So yes, installing new vinyl flooring in your home will raise your property value.
Hardwood floors are one of the best flooring options for homeowners looking to increase the resale value of their home, with hardwood typically yielding around a 75% return on investment.
A significant part of what an appraiser looks for in a home is the interior condition and the offered amenities. Even if the roof, siding, and foundation are all in excellent shape, the interior of your home is just as crucial to the home appraiser when assessing value.
Kitchens with modern, attractive appliances and quality floors and counters will increase a home's appraised value, according to Bankrate. Defective appliances, broken cupboards and a lack of counter space will lower the value, so replacing or fixing them can also lead to a better appraisal.
Unless the amount of clutter begins to affect the structural condition of a home, it will not affect an appraisal. The cleanliness of a home also has no impact on the value. It is not uncommon for an appraiser to walk into a cluttered, messy home.
Do Appraisers Look in Closets? The short answer is yes, they will look in your closet… but only to determine the total living area. So while a clean, organized closet is a sign of respect for the appraiser (and a lot more pleasant to look at), a messy closet won't negatively affect home value.
How often do home appraisals come in low? Low home appraisals do not occur often. According to Fannie Mae, appraisals come in low less than 8 percent of the time, and many of these low appraisals are renegotiated higher after an appeal, Graham says.
There is absolutely no need to change flooring from room to room. We often work with homeowners who feel the urge to pick a different flooring for every room of their home, but there is absolutely no need to do this. Your home will look best if you create one consistent look that travels from room to room.
Not only will it impress your friends but did you know it can also increase your home value when you're looking to sell? Well, it turns out a proven way to increase your home value is to add new beautiful tile, flooring, and backsplash within your home.
True value is achieved when the product lives up to your expectations and needs relative to the cost. That's what makes luxury vinyl tile (LVT) such a great investment — it delivers what most homeowners value in upscale flooring, at a budget-friendly price.
Replacing your old flooring before selling will improve the look of your home, but also increase its resale value. Before you install new flooring, you should make sure that your old flooring is thoroughly removed to make a clean slate.
So replacing carpet with hardwood flooring can definitely make a difference in your selling price. In fact, one study found that 54% of home buyers said they'd be willing to pay more—up to $2,080—for hardwood floors.
1. Hardwood Continues to Dominate. Hardwood has remained at the top of the podium for decades now and continues to dominate the home flooring industry.
The appraiser inspects the state of the foundation and roof, drains, windows, screens, decks, patios and balconies. They also look for infestations and dampness. Beyond the property structure, the appraiser will take stock of the parking situation and lot size.
You didn't have to worry about this before, but now you're asking: can a messy home affect an appraisal? The short answer is “no, a messy home should not affect the outcome of an appraisal.” However, it's good to be aware that there are circumstances in which the state of your home can negatively affect its value.