Prepping for a Home Appraisal? Here’s What to Fix Before They Arrive

Whether you're refinancing your mortgage or selling your home, the appraisal is a key moment that can significantly affect your bottom line. Appraisals determine the official market value of your home, which in turn impacts your loan approval, interest rate, or selling power.

In high-value Texas markets like Frisco, Prosper, and Southlake, even small improvements can make a big difference in perceived value. The good news? You don’t need a major remodel — just smart, strategic touch-ups.

In this guide, we’ll show you what to fix before your home appraisal, how to prepare your property for its best showing, and which affordable tools can help you tackle the job like a pro.

Clean Like a Showing Is About to Happen

A clean home doesn’t directly increase appraised value — but it strongly influences first impressions, which can impact how an appraiser views your property’s condition and maintenance.

Focus on:

• Floors, baseboards, and trim
• Kitchens and bathrooms (sinks, grout, tile)
• Windows and blinds
• Garage and utility areas

Affiliate Pick: Cordless Power Scrubber for Deep Cleaning Tile, Bathtubs, and Grout
This lightweight tool cuts cleaning time dramatically and makes bathrooms and tile surfaces sparkle — a key point of focus for appraisers.

Touch Up Walls, Trim, and Paint

Chipped paint, scuffed walls, and worn baseboards make your home feel older and less cared-for — even if the bones are strong. A few inexpensive paint touch-ups go a long way in presenting your home as “move-in ready.”

Target these spots:

• Baseboards and molding
• Door frames and light switch areas
• High-traffic wall sections (especially near stairs and hallways)

Affiliate Pick: Easy Paint Touch-Up Pen for Walls and Trim – Refillable and Mess-Free
Perfect for minor touch-ups without breaking out rollers or tarps. A few dabs can refresh an entire room’s appearance.

Fix the “Obvious Neglect” Items

Appraisers note functional and cosmetic issues, especially ones that suggest poor upkeep. These may not require a huge repair budget — just awareness.

Check for:

• Leaky faucets or running toilets
• Loose doorknobs or cabinet handles
• Missing outlet covers or switch plates
• Broken blinds or torn screens
• Cracks in driveways or walkways

Minor fixes show pride in ownership — and that helps support a higher valuation.

Brighten and Lighten Every Room

Good lighting gives the impression of space, cleanliness, and value. Swap outdated bulbs for LED daylight-style lighting, which mimics natural sunlight.

Bonus: LED lights are more energy-efficient, which may also be noted by appraisers as a modern, upgraded feature.

Spruce Up Curb Appeal

Appraisers always note the exterior condition of your home. You don’t need professional landscaping — just clean, tidy, and functional outdoor spaces.

Quick wins:

• Trim hedges and edge the lawn
• Clear walkways of clutter
• Repaint the front door
• Replace torn screens or broken outdoor lights
• Add potted plants for color and life

Bonus Tip: Prep a “Cheat Sheet” for the Appraiser

It’s totally appropriate (and helpful) to leave a printed list of recent upgrades, like:

• New HVAC system or roof
• Flooring replacements
• Energy-efficient windows or doors
• Renovated kitchen or bath (include dates)

Attach photos or receipts if possible. This helps the appraiser accurately reflect your home’s improvements, especially if they aren’t visually obvious.

Small Fixes = Big Value

Don’t underestimate the power of a well-prepped home. A $50 cleaning tool or $10 touch-up pen could help increase your appraised value by thousands of dollars — and that affects your refinance terms, selling leverage, or ability to eliminate PMI.

At Emmly Financial, we help Texas homeowners in Frisco, Prosper, Southlake, and across the state maximize their equity and make informed mortgage decisions.

Ready to refinance or explore your home equity options? Contact us today for a free consultation and appraisal prep checklist customized to your goals.