06/14/2026
Residential Appraisal: Summer Preparation Tips for Your Home
Helping Ensure a Smooth and Efficient Appraisal Inspection
Summer is a great time to showcase your property's exterior features, improvements, and overall condition. Whether you are selling your home, refinancing, settling an estate, or completing another real estate transaction, preparing your property before the appraisal appointment can help ensure the inspection process goes smoothly.
What Is a Residential Appraisal?
A residential appraisal is an independent professional opinion of a property's market value. The appraiser considers many factors, including the home's size, condition, quality, improvements, location, and current market conditions.
During the inspection, the appraiser will visually observe the interior and exterior of the property to document the home's characteristics and features.
Typical inspection time: approximately 30–60 minutes
What Will the Appraiser Do During the Inspection?
During the appraisal inspection, the appraiser will typically:
âś“ Measure the exterior of the home to verify dimensions and layout
âś“ Photograph the interior and exterior of the property
âś“ Observe the overall condition and quality of construction
âś“ Document upgrades, renovations, and special features
âś“ Review accessible areas such as basements, attics, garages, sheds, and outbuildings
âś“ Observe the site, landscaping, and exterior features that may influence market value
Summer Property Preparation Checklist
A few simple steps before the appraisal appointment can help provide the appraiser with the access and information needed to complete a thorough inspection.
Exterior Preparation:
âś“ Mow the lawn and trim areas around the home
âś“ Remove excessive weeds, brush, or vegetation that blocks views of exterior walls
âś“ Clear debris, fallen branches, and stored items away from the perimeter of the home
âś“ Make sure exterior walls, additions, decks, patios, and other features are visible
âś“ Trim shrubs and bushes that prevent access to windows, doors, or foundation areas
âś“ Remove items stored around the exterior that may restrict access or visibility
âś“ Make sure walkways, steps, porches, and driveways are safe and accessible
Don't Forget Outbuildings & Additional Features
If your property includes additional improvements, please make sure they are accessible and visible, including:
âś“ Garages
âś“ Sheds
âś“ Workshops
âś“ Decks and patios
âś“ Pools and recreational features
âś“ Fences and other site improvements
Providing access allows the appraiser to properly document these features and consider their contribution to the property's overall market value.
Preparing the Interior
Before the appraisal appointment:
âś“ Ensure all rooms are accessible
âś“ Unlock garages, basements, attics, crawl spaces, and outbuildings
âś“ Secure pets during the inspection
âś“ Ensure utilities are operational, including electric, water, heating, and air conditioning (if applicable)
âś“ Provide a list of recent improvements with approximate completion dates when available
Why Exterior Access Matters
The appraiser's responsibility is to observe and report the features and condition of the property that are relevant to developing a credible opinion of value.
Exterior areas that cannot be safely accessed or observed due to overgrown vegetation, debris, stored items, or other obstructions may require additional comments, additional inspections, delays, or rescheduling depending on the circumstances.
A little preparation before the appointment helps ensure your property is represented accurately and allows the appraisal process to be completed as efficiently as possible.
Veracity Realty Services, LLC
4511 Graystone Drive
Nazareth, PA 18064
Office: 610-614-1176
Cell: 718-744-7030
Email: [email protected]
