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.

🏠 Home Appraisal Value Impact Analysis See How Property Issues Affect Your Home’s Worth
-$15,000 Avg. Loss from Deferred Maintenance
+$25,000 Avg. Gain from Key Updates
21 Days Faster Sale with Improvements
BEFORE: Problem Home
Appraised: $280,000
  • 🏚️
    Foundation Cracks Visible cracks in walls, uneven floors, doors won’t close properly -$8,000 to -$30,000
  • 💧
    Leaking Roof Water stains on ceiling, missing shingles, sagging areas -15% to -30% value
  • 🍳
    Outdated Kitchen 1970s cabinets, old appliances, worn countertops -10% to -15% value
  • Old Electrical System Knob-and-tube wiring, insufficient amperage, safety hazards -$3,000 to -$10,000
  • 🌿
    Poor Curb Appeal Overgrown landscaping, peeling paint, broken fence -5% to -10% value
  • 🚧
    Unpermitted Addition DIY sunroom without permits, not up to code May not count in sq ft
VS
AFTER: Updated Home
Appraised: $345,000
  • 🏠
    Foundation Repaired Professional repairs completed, warranty provided, structural integrity restored +Full market value
  • 🏡
    New Roof Installed 30-year architectural shingles, proper ventilation, transferable warranty +$15,000 value
  • Modern Kitchen Stainless appliances, quartz counters, soft-close cabinets +15% to 20% value
  • 💡
    Updated Electrical 200-amp service, modern panel, all outlets grounded and GFCI protected +$8,000 value
  • 🌺
    Enhanced Curb Appeal Professional landscaping, fresh paint, new front door, outdoor lighting +5% to 10% value
  • 📋
    All Permits Obtained Retroactive permits secured, all work inspected and approved Full sq ft credited
💰 Return on Investment for Key Improvements
Kitchen Remodel Cost: $25,000 Return: $20,000 80% ROI
Bathroom Update Cost: $12,000 Return: $10,200 85% ROI
New Roof Cost: $8,000 Return: $12,000 150% ROI
Curb Appeal Cost: $3,500 Return: $7,000 200% ROI
Fresh Paint Cost: $2,500 Return: $5,000 200% ROI
HVAC Update Cost: $6,000 Return: $5,100 85% ROI
🎯 Protect Your Home’s Appraisal Value
  • 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:

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.