For a homeowner, preparing for an appraisal can feel like going to the doctor for your annual physical. Questions like “what are they going to find?” or “am I in better shape than I thought?” or “is it worse than I thought?” are pretty common. But it does not have to be that way.

Just like a healthy nutrition plan and regular exercise will make doctor visits much easier on the mind, there are some things that the majority of homeowners can do in order to prepare for an appraisal and get a good outcome.

Simple things like cleaning the home from top to bottom, inside and out are common knowledge. But there are other little items people can do to help the appraiser view you and your property in a more favorable light. There are also some small details concerning curb appeal that can be accomplished in a weekend and really improve the home’s general appeal.

Look over these suggestions and determine how to fit them in your plans for preparing your home for an appraisal.