Last updated on August 12th, 2025 at 05:18 am
Buying or selling a home involves getting an appraisal. Some things can lower your appraisal score a lot. We will show you what can hurt your appraisal and give tips to boost your home’s value.
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Foundation Cracks Visible cracks in walls, uneven floors, doors won’t close properly -$8,000 to -$30,000
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Leaking Roof Water stains on ceiling, missing shingles, sagging areas -15% to -30% value
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Outdated Kitchen 1970s cabinets, old appliances, worn countertops -10% to -15% value
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Old Electrical System Knob-and-tube wiring, insufficient amperage, safety hazards -$3,000 to -$10,000
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Poor Curb Appeal Overgrown landscaping, peeling paint, broken fence -5% to -10% value
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Unpermitted Addition DIY sunroom without permits, not up to code May not count in sq ft
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Foundation Repaired Professional repairs completed, warranty provided, structural integrity restored +Full market value
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New Roof Installed 30-year architectural shingles, proper ventilation, transferable warranty +$15,000 value
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Modern Kitchen Stainless appliances, quartz counters, soft-close cabinets +15% to 20% value
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Updated Electrical 200-amp service, modern panel, all outlets grounded and GFCI protected +$8,000 value
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Enhanced Curb Appeal Professional landscaping, fresh paint, new front door, outdoor lighting +5% to 10% value
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All Permits Obtained Retroactive permits secured, all work inspected and approved Full sq ft credited
- Address structural issues immediately – they have the biggest impact
- Focus on kitchens and bathrooms for maximum ROI
- Don’t neglect curb appeal – first impressions matter
- Get permits for all work – unpermitted additions hurt value
- Keep up with routine maintenance to prevent costly repairs
- Update old systems (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) for safety and value
How to Keep and Increase Your Home’s Appraisal Value
An appraisal sets up how much a house is worth in the present market.
The chart above illustrates some of the major considerations that might drag down your value. Here are a few more things to keep in mind if you want to hit the largest number possible:
- Permits Must Always Be Obtained
- If you build an addition or make other large alterations without permits, the appraiser might not count that space as part of your home’s overall square footage — and buyers may shun it for that reason.
- All work should be permitted, or if not, see if you can obtain permits after the fact.
- Watch the Market
- Home prices increase and decrease with the fluctuations in interest rates, local job growth, and the number of houses available for sale.
- The fewer homes and more buyers, the higher the prices.
- Once the market slows, even a well-maintained house can face lower appraisal.
- Keep an eye on the trends and make the right move at the right time.
- Location Most Important
- An enormous weight on value is the area where the house is.
- Fairs schools, safe streets, and access to a park, store, or public transit will all make a property attractive-to-buy-for, and perhaps even worth more.
- Keep up with Repairs
- Minor issues turn into major headaches quickly.
- Remind your local team to clean gutters, touch up paint, and provide regular maintenance to heating and cooling systems.
- These small checks show that one’s home is cared for and can ward off costly fixes down the line.
- Understand Your Comparable Sales
- Generally, an appraiser looks at relatively recent sales of nearby, similar homes.
- If the homes closest insignificantly sold for less than you wanted to get for yours, be sure to voice what puts yours above, such as recent upgrades or added features.
- Prepare to back your case using photos, receipts, and records.
The bottom line: Routine care, proper paperwork, and good timing can all make a massive difference in how a house is appraised.
Bottom Line
Property damage, outdated features, and structural issues all matter. They help decide how much your home is worth. Sell us your house in Allen, TX if you don’t want to fix it up.
Maximizing your home’s value isn’t just about knowing the market. It’s also about keeping your property in good shape. Regular upkeep, quick fixes, and smart updates can make your home more attractive. This can help avoid bad appraisals in the future.