Ten Tips to Increase the Final Sale Price of Your Home

If you’re preparing to sell your home in Fairfield County, one critical step in the process is the home appraisal. The appraisal happens shortly after the offer is accepted, usually within the first 7–14 days of escrow.

A professional assessment of your property’s market value can significantly impact the final sale price. If your buyer is financing their purchase, this assessment could even make or break the deal.

Whether you’re in Westport, Stamford, Norwalk, or one of the charming inland Fairfield County towns like Ridgefield or Wilton, knowing how to navigate the appraisal process can help you avoid surprises and maximize your return.

To secure an accurate and favorable valuation for your property, here are 10 crucial home appraisal tips for sellers in Fairfield County.

1. Understand the Appraisal’s Purpose

In the beginning, it’s important to understand the role of the appraisal in the selling process. An appraisal is an unbiased estimate of your home’s market value, conducted by a licensed professional. Lenders use it to confirm the property is worth the loan amount being requested by the buyer. If the appraisal comes in lower than the offer price, it can lead to renegotiations, delays, or even a canceled sale.

Getting the valuation right is especially important in Fairfield County, where home prices vary widely between neighborhoods and towns.

2. Do a Pre-Appraisal Walkthrough

Take a fresh look at your home as if you were seeing it for the first time. If you’ve been living in your home for a long time, it can be easy to overlook small repairs, scuffs, or signs of wear that you may have grown used to. Address these issues before the appraisal is done.

And, while appraisals focus on objective measures, tidy up both inside and out. A clean, well-maintained home looks more valuable and leaves a better impression.

3. Improve Curb Appeal

Once you’ve done your pre-appraisal walkthrough, focus on improving the exterior of your home. It’s likely you’ve done this to get your home ready to sell Trim bushes, mow the lawn, sweep the walkway, and add a few potted plants or flowers near the entrance. Make sure gutters are clean and the house number is visible. Homes in Fairfield County towns compete at a higher price point, which makes presentation even more critical.

Thoughtful improvements that reflect pride of ownership will make all the difference.

4. Compile a List of Upgrades and Improvements

Appraisers don’t automatically know what work you’ve done on your home. To make the process as seamless as possible, create a document that outlines updates or renovations you’ve made over the years. On this list, include dates and costs of improvements such as kitchen or bathroom remodels, new appliances, energy-efficient upgrades, roof replacement, or finished basements.

These changes can help the appraiser justify a higher value, especially when comparing your home to similar ones in your area that haven’t been updated.

5. Highlight the Strengths of Your Location

Location, location, location, it matters! Fairfield County is a diverse area with significant differences between towns, school districts, and neighborhoods. Make sure the appraiser is aware of your home’s proximity to a desirable school zone, downtown amenities, or train stations with direct access to NYC.

Provide a summary of nearby attractions such as parks, shopping centers, beach access, or recent infrastructure improvements in your neighborhood. The more context you can provide, the better.

6. Know the Comps

Real estate agents typically run a comparative market analysis (CMA) before pricing a home. These comps include recent sales of similar properties in the area.

While appraisers do their own research, you (or your realtor) can offer a packet of comparable sales that support your listing price. Providing good comps can help your appraiser make a stronger case for your home’s value.

7. Be There, But Don’t Hover

Although it is not required that you be present during the appraisal, it can be useful to be available to answer any questions and provide any necessary documentation. Your realtor may also be present to represent your interests, provide comparable sales, or point out any upgrades.

Appraisers are trained to remain impartial, and while it’s great to be helpful and prepared, don’t meddle or attempt to sway the appraiser’s opinion.

8. Make Sure All Areas Are Accessible

Be transparent when the appraiser arrives, which means ensuring that all parts of your home (including the attic, basement, garage, and any outbuildings) are easy to access. If the appraiser can’t inspect an area, they may make assumptions or exclude certain features from their report.

Make the process seamless by unlocking doors, moving any items blocking access, and turning on lights in darker areas. For a more complete and better appraisal, ensure a smooth walkthrough.

9. Avoid Emotional Overpricing

While you may have a sentimental attachment to your home, appraisers focus on facts such as square footage, condition, and market comparisons.

Setting a realistic price from the start, based on your agent’s market analysis and recent sales, helps to minimize the risk of a low appraisal and the issues that can arise from it.

10. What to Do If Your Appraisal Comes in Low

Even with careful planning and preparation, there are no guarantees on the price of your home appraisal. There’s a chance your home may appraise for less than the agreed-upon sale price. While this can be discouraging, it doesn’t have to derail the entire transaction. Here are a few ways to move forward:

Negotiate with the buyer to adjust the sale price to match the appraised value.
To meet the lender’s requirements, the buyer has the option to pay the difference between the appraised value and the purchase price in cash.
If you disagree with the appraisal, you can challenge it through a “Reconsideration of Value.” This involves submitting extra details, such as comparable sales figures or corrections to inaccuracies in the appraisal document, to argue for a higher valuation.
Request a second appraisal, especially if you believe the first was inaccurate. Just be aware this can extend your timeline.

Your real estate agent will help you evaluate your options and respond strategically. While low appraisals are rare with the right pricing strategy, being prepared for this possibility puts you in a stronger position.

Looking to Sell Your Fairfield County Home?

In today’s competitive Fairfield County real estate market, home appraisals are a key part of a successful sale. By preparing your home and working closely with your realtor, you can help ensure your property is valued fairly, increasing your chances of a smooth, timely closing.

Thinking about selling your home in Fairfield County?

Karla Murtaugh and her team of experienced and award-winning realtors can guide you through every step of the process, including the all-important appraisal.