When it comes to getting a home appraisal, a little preparation goes a long way. Whether you're refinancing, selling, settling an estate, or just curious about your home’s current value, making sure your home is ready for the appraisal visit can help the process go smoothly—and possibly even support a stronger valuation. For homeowners in Denver and the surrounding areas, including places like Littleton, Aurora, Highlands Ranch, and Golden, here’s what to know about getting ready for your residential appraisal.
What an Appraisal Really Is—and Why It Matters
An appraisal is an independent estimate of your home’s fair market value, completed by a licensed professional. It’s not the same as a home inspection, and it doesn’t serve as a guarantee of sale price. Instead, the appraiser evaluates your property based on its size, condition, location, features, and the recent sale prices of comparable homes nearby.
In markets like Aurora or Arvada, where home values can vary significantly from one neighborhood to the next, an accurate appraisal helps lenders, buyers, and homeowners make informed decisions. Whether you’re trying to remove PMI in Wheat Ridge or secure financing on a home in Castle Rock, the appraisal is a critical piece of the puzzle.
Keep the Home Clean, Safe, and Accessible
You don’t need to renovate your home before the appraisal, but it should be clean, orderly, and accessible. This isn’t about impressing the appraiser—it’s about showing that the home has been maintained. If you live in a neighborhood like Centennial or Lakewood, where many homes were built in the 1970s and 1980s, upkeep can play a big role in setting your home apart from similar properties.
Make sure all areas of the home can be accessed, including the basement, attic, garage, and any detached structures. In areas like Parker and Broomfield, where larger lots and finished basements are more common, these spaces are essential to a full valuation. Locked rooms or blocked-off spaces could cause delays or force the appraiser to make assumptions.
Document the Upgrades and Improvements You've Made
If you've invested in your home—adding a new roof, replacing windows, upgrading a bathroom, or finishing the basement—those improvements matter. In older communities like Englewood or Northglenn, updates can significantly influence value, especially when nearby homes may not have been updated in decades.
Even without receipts, a written summary of major changes and their approximate timeline is helpful. Appraisers are trained to assess condition, but they won’t know your home's story unless you share it. If you recently added solar panels in Thornton or remodeled the kitchen in Lone Tree, it’s worth pointing out.
Mention Anything Unique About Your Home or Lot
Some homes have features that don’t immediately stand out but add real value. That could be a walk-out basement in a hilly part of Golden, a large corner lot in Commerce City, or unobstructed mountain views in Morrison. You might also have a detached studio, garden space, or high-efficiency HVAC system that isn’t typical for the area. Don’t assume the appraiser knows what’s unusual for your neighborhood—bring it up.
Understand How Nearby Sales Affect Your Valuation
Appraisers use recent nearby sales—often called “comps”—to determine your home’s value. If a home three doors down in Westminster sold last month with similar square footage and condition, it will likely be part of your valuation.
In communities like Ken Caryl or Green Valley Ranch, even a few blocks can mean a big difference in price, especially if there’s a change in school district or neighborhood amenities. If you’re aware of a recent sale nearby that you feel is a good or bad comparison, it’s okay to mention it. Your perspective can help the appraiser understand the nuances of your neighborhood.
Be Helpful, But Don’t Hover
The appraisal typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the size and complexity of the property. You’re welcome to be home during the process, and it can be helpful to walk the appraiser through the home to point out important features. Just keep in mind that their job requires focus and attention to detail, so it’s best to be available for questions without trying to lead the appointment.
If you're in a quiet neighborhood like Erie or Louisville, your home’s layout and condition may speak for themselves. But even then, a quick mention of recent upgrades or unique attributes can help the appraiser form a complete picture.
Thoughtful Preparation Can Make a Difference
No one is trying to impress the appraiser—they're not judging your taste or style—but a clean, maintained, and well-documented home sends a clear message: this property has been cared for. That’s true whether you're living in a historic part of Denver, a new development in Brighton, or a well-established neighborhood in Lakewood.
When the appraiser walks into a home that’s well-prepared, it makes their job easier—and often leads to a more accurate and timely report.
Work with a Trusted Local Appraiser
Taylor Appraising has completed over 15,000 residential appraisals across the Denver metro area and brings more than 26 years of experience to every assignment. From Jefferson County to Arapahoe County, and from urban homes in Denver to suburban properties in Douglas County, our team provides accurate, unbiased valuations grounded in local market knowledge.
If you’re getting ready for an appraisal and want a professional who understands the unique dynamics of your neighborhood, Taylor Appraising is ready to help. Contact us today to schedule your appraisal or learn more about the process.