How to Prepare Your Home For The Real Estate Appraiser
For homeowners, a real estate appraisal is the linchpin to buying or selling their home. It allows the property transactions to occur among the buyer, seller, real estate agent and mortgage lender.
Before an Appraiser arrives, there are a few things you should know. By law, an appraiser must be state licensed to perform appraisals prepared for federally related transactions. Also by law, you are entitled to receive a copy of the completed appraisal report from your lender.
To facilitate the appraisal process, it's beneficial to have these documents ready for the appraiser:
• A plot plan or survey of the house and land (if readily available)
• Information on the latest purchase of the property in the last three years
• Written property agreements, such as a maintenance agreement for a shared driveway
• List of personal property to be sold with the home
• Title policy that describes encroachments or easements
• Most recent real estate tax bill and or legal description of the property
• Home inspection reports, or other recent reports for termites, EIFS (synthetic stucco) wall systems, septic systems and wells
• Brag sheet that lists major home improvements and upgrades, the date of their installation and their cost (for example, the addition of central air conditioning or roof repairs) and permit confirmation (if available)
• A copy of the current listing agreement and broker's data sheet and Purchase Agreement if a sale is "pending".
• Information on "Homeowners Associations" or condominium covenants and fees.
• A list of "Proposed" improvements if the property is to be appraised "As Complete".
Once your appraiser has arrived, you do not need to accompany him or her along on the entire site inspection, but you should be available to answer questions about your property and be willing to point out any home improvements.
Here are some other suggestions:
• Accessibility: Make sure that all areas of the home are accessible, especially to the attic and crawl space. For FHA appraisals, the Appraiser must access the attic so having a ladder already set up would be very helpful.
• Housekeeping: Appraisers see hundreds of homes a year and will look past most clutter, but they're human beings too! A good impression can translate into a higher home value
• Maintenance: Repair minor things like leaky faucets, missing door handles and trim
• FHA/VA Inspection Items: If your borrower is applying for an FHA/VA loan, be sure to ask your appraiser if there are specific things that should be done before they come. Some items they may recommend might be: Install smoke detectors on all levels (especially near bedrooms); install handrails on all stairways; remove peeling paint and repaint the effected area; provide inspection access to the attic and crawl spaces.
5 Ways to Prepare Your Home
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West Michigan Market Trends for 2026
The real estate market in 2026 will be interesting, to be sure! 2025 wasn't what many had hoped and the new year is shaping up to be dynamic and full of opportunities for both buyers and sellers in West Michigan. With changing interest rates, evolving technology, and shifts in buyer preferences, understanding the latest market trends in this market is crucial for making informed decisions. Whether you're purchasing your first home in Grand Rapids or Kentwood, upgrading, or selling a property, staying ahead of these trends can help you navigate the market successfully. In this blog, we’ll explore the key real estate trends of 2026 and what they mean for you.
1. Stable to lower Interest Rates and Their Impact
As interest rates continue to come down in 2026, affordability is still a top concern for buyers. Higher mortgage rates mean higher monthly payments, which could reduce the purchasing power of many homebuyers. Lower interest rates certainly help to make affording a home easier, but it's not looking like the interest rates will go back to the way they were just a few years ago. Sellers may also feel the impact, as fewer buyers in the market could lead to longer selling times. However, buyers with strong financials and pre-approvals will still have opportunities to negotiate better deals. It’s more important than ever to work closely with financial advisors and lenders to understand your options.
2. Growing Demand for Suburban and Secondary Markets
The post-pandemic shift toward remote work has solidified the popularity of suburban and secondary markets. Buyers are moving away from expensive urban areas in search of larger homes, better quality of life, and affordability. Sellers in these regions are seeing increased demand, leading to competitive offers and higher prices. If you're considering selling in a suburban area, now is the time to capitalize on the trend by highlighting features like spacious yards, home offices, and proximity to amenities.
3. The Rise of Sustainable and Energy-Efficient Homes (watch out for the solar panel scam!)
Sustainability is no longer a luxury, it’s a priority for many buyers in 2026 in the West Michigan market. Homes with energy-efficient features such as smart thermostats and energy-efficient appliances are in high demand. While solar panels are growing in popularity, there is little data indicating the payoff math works after factoring in the cost of ownership and maintenance (not to mention damaged roofing after the panels are removed. There's also the potential costs of removing or replacing the panels if buyers don't want them.
Sellers can attract environmentally-conscious buyers by making eco-friendly upgrades without going the full solar panel route. Additionally, local and federal incentives for green homes make these features even more attractive. Buyers should consider the long-term cost savings and environmental benefits of investing in sustainable properties.
4. Increased Role of Technology in Real Estate
Technology continues to revolutionize the real estate industry, making the buying and selling process more efficient. Virtual tours, 3D floor plans, and AI-powered tools are helping buyers explore homes from anywhere. Sellers who leverage these technologies can showcase their properties to a wider audience, even internationally. Real estate agents are also using data analytics to provide more accurate pricing and market predictions. Embracing these advancements is essential for staying competitive in 2026.
5. Shifts in Buyer Demographics
In 2026, millennials and Gen Z are driving the real estate market as they enter their prime home buying years. These tech-savvy buyers prioritize affordability, walkable neighborhoods, and proximity to work or schools. Sellers should tailor their marketing strategies to appeal to these younger generations by emphasizing features like smart home technology, modern design, and community amenities. Understanding the preferences of these groups is key to attracting motivated buyers.
6. The Influence of Remote Work on Housing Preferences
The remote work revolution continues to shape buyer preferences in 2026. Many buyers are looking for homes with dedicated office spaces, reliable internet connectivity, and quiet environments for work. Sellers can attract remote workers by staging home offices or showcasing bonus rooms that can be converted into workspaces. Buyers, on the other hand, should prioritize homes that align with their long-term work-from-home needs to ensure a comfortable and functional living space.
7. Preparing for Market Volatility
While the real estate market has shown resilience, economic uncertainty in 2026 means that buyers and sellers should prepare for potential market fluctuations. Buyers should focus on affordability and avoid overextending their budgets, while sellers should price their homes competitively to attract serious offers. Partnering with a knowledgeable local West Michigan real estate agent can help you navigate market changes and make well-informed decisions. Knowing a good appraiser might be just as important!
