What kinds of things can I do to make sure that my home appraises highly?

Make sure it's clean and non cluttered, inside and out.. and if you have any obvious repairs like water leaks, water stains on ceiling, broken windows, frayed carpet.. etc.. make sure those are fixed up before you let the appraiser in.. Remember, appraisals are merely an "Opinion" of value.. and first impressions are important.. The appraiser is "supposed" to look past clutter and filth.. but they are human, and their value will be affected by the overall condition of the home. Clean and fresh smelling, freshly manicured front and back yards, condense stored items so they don't take up a lot of space.. as decorators say.. try to highlight the positives of your home, and try to minimize the negatives.. Example; you have a skylight (good thing).. try putting lead crystal glass on a table right under it so it sparkles when the sun hit's it.. Or if you have a dark room (Negative), try adding extra floor uplights hidden in the corners to brighten the room up.. Also, be sure all your lights are on when the appraiser comes through, and be sure the temperature is comfortable as well.. I'm a Broker here in Scottsdale AZ and I only lend in Arizona. If you or someone you know is looking for financing options, feel free to contact me or pass along my information. William J. Acres, Lender411's number ONE lender in Arizona. 480-287-5714 WilliamAcres.com NMLS# 226347

Make it look as pleasant as you can make it look. That will help. The appraiser will look at the size and condition and compare it to other similar homes.

Make the home look as pleasant as you can. The appraiser will look at the size and condition of your home as compared to comparable sales in your immediate area.