Increase the Selling Price of Similar Houses - Okay, this might not be the easiest way to increase your home appraisal, but it is an effective one. Appraisers look at the selling price of comparable homes, or comps, in your area as a benchmark from which to calculate the market value of your home. In this case, location is everything. Appraisers look for similar homes on your same street and neighborhood. So, if you increase the desirability of an area, by, for instance, reducing crime through a neighborhood watch, or improving the quality of schools, you could increase the selling price of other homes in your area, as well as your own. Renovate Your Home - Spending money on home improvements will increase the value of your home. But not all improvements work as well. Home appraisals consist of visual inspections of the general condition of home systems and features. If the appraiser cannot see the improvement, it will not have much of an effect on the appraisal value. Focus on renovation projects that are as visible as possible. Start with improvements on the outside of the house, and on projects that deal with obvious clutter, leaks, bad smells, and obvious eyesores that bring down the curb appeal of your home. According to "Remodeling Magazine's" Cost vs. Value Report, replacing your entry door, a room addition, adding on a garage, total kitchen upgrade, building an attic bedroom and adding a wooden deck are the top upgrades most likely to increase your home's value.
Add Suitable Amenities. - Add features that will give your property that elusive "wow" factor, and give your home's valuation an extra boost. You don't have to spend a fortune; look for cost-effective projects that will make your home more appealing to appraisers and buyers alike. What will work in your home again depends on your location. If your home is in Beverly Hills, not having a swimming pool might detract from your property's appeal. But if you build the first and only swimming pool in a low-income neighborhood, don't expect to recoup all or even most of your investment. Look into tasteful landscaping of your yard; mature trees come at a premium. Organize a messy driveway and clean out all the rubbish in your yard. (Adopted From http://homeguides.sfgate.com)
