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How clean should my house be for appraisal?

Should I have my house sparkling clean for the appraisal? I feel like I should have it deep cleaned and looking its best. But I also have small kids and it's hard to keep the home so clean! Will a sparkling clean house impact my home appraisal value? What's best practices?
Asked By Sam | Charlotte, NC | 143 views | Selling | Created 1 month ago
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Pro
172 Answers
Amanda Courtney

REP Realty Group

(10)

Your home doesn’t need to be spotless like a showing, but it should be neat, accessible, and well-presented. Appraisers focus on the property’s structure and condition, but a clean, organized home makes a strong impression and helps them see that it’s been well-maintained. Make sure all rooms are accessible, replace burnt-out bulbs, and clear clutter away from major systems (AC unit, water heater, electrical panel). A tidy home signals pride of ownership, which can positively influence the appraiser’s perception.
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Novice
8 Answers
Gale Culver

Real

(6)

I always advise my clients to treat the appraisal like any other showing. You want your home to show it's very best to the appraiser. Though the appraiser isn't there looking at your overall cleanliness, they are there to evaluate the home, location, condition and upgrades. A clean home always shows best.

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Novice
5 Answers
Jese Gonzalez

Keller Williams Realty El Paso

(121)

You don’t need to go full HGTV perfection, but yes, clean absolutely matters for an appraisal.

Appraisers aren’t grading your home on how spotless your baseboards are, but they do take overall condition into account. A clean, well-kept home sends the message that it’s been well-maintained, which can make a subtle difference in how they view its value.

Here’s what I tell my sellers:

Declutter like you’re having guests over. Clear counters, put away laundry, and minimize distractions.
Fix small things like burnt-out bulbs, leaky faucets, loose door handles.
Curb appeal counts! Mow, sweep, and tidy up the entryway. First impressions start before they walk inside.
Deep clean the basics like floors, bathrooms, and kitchen. You want it to smell clean too.

You don’t need a remodel, just a good polish. Think “model home tidy,” not “white-glove inspection.” A clean home helps the appraiser focus on what really adds value, your home’s features, condition, and upgrades.

If you’re in El Paso and prepping for appraisal, I share my “Appraisal-Ready Checklist” with my sellers. it’s all the small things that make a big impact.
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Pro
128 Answers
Jason Craig

Coldwell Banker

Appraisers are trained to look at the structural and functional aspects of a property—square footage, condition, upgrades and comparable sales—rather than how tidy your kids left the playroom that morning. That said, presentation does matter to the extent that clutter and dirt can make it harder to see the true condition of a home. A reasonably clean, decluttered house signals that the property has been cared for and allows the appraiser to move freely and note things like flooring, walls and fixtures. You don’t need a professional deep clean or a model‑home level of perfection, but it’s wise to tidy up, wipe down surfaces, mow the lawn and make sure lights and mechanical systems are working. More important than spotless countertops is ensuring that any safety issues (loose handrails, peeling paint on older homes, missing smoke detectors) are addressed because those can affect the appraisal. In short: aim for neat and functional, not necessarily photo‑shoot ready.
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Rising Star
11 Answers
Jeff Duneske

Keller Williams Advantage

(382)

That’s a great question, and one I hear often from homeowners preparing for an appraisal. The truth is, you do not need to make your home spotless or perfect, but presentation does matter in subtle ways.

Appraisers are trained to focus on objective factors like square footage, condition, updates, and comparable sales, not how clean your home looks. However, a well-cared-for and tidy home can leave a positive impression that reinforces your property’s overall condition and pride of ownership.

Your goal should be clean, not flawless. Give your home a good once-over so it feels neat, organized, and fresh. Wipe down counters and surfaces, vacuum or sweep floors, and make sure the kitchen, bathrooms, and entryway look presentable. Put away visible clutter and personal items where you can, but do not stress if your kids’ toys are out or the laundry is not perfect. Appraisers understand that real people live in their homes.

What matters most is that your home looks maintained. Fix any minor issues such as loose handles, scuffed walls, or burnt-out lightbulbs before the visit. If you have made recent updates like a new roof, appliances, or finished basement, it helps to have a simple list ready to share.

A clean, organized home does not directly increase your appraised value, but it does support a positive impression of how well the property has been cared for. Think of it as giving your home a “guest-ready” clean, comfortable, tidy, and inviting, without the pressure of perfection.
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Rising Star
10 Answers
Rebecca Diamond

Berkshire Hathaway Fox Roach

(31)

No, it doesn't have to be sparkling clean. But as others have said, your should treat the appraisal like any other showing - neat and tidy, spot clean where needed, kids and pets out of the way.
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Novice
3 Answers
Cambria Henry

Haven Real Estate Group

(102)

I find that appraisers are very forgiving when looking at your home. They know that any home they are comparing it to people also live in. If you have most of the clutter picked up but a couple things out it is not going to be a huge deal. More important to make sure you have CO2 monitors, water heater straps (if required in your area) and smoke detectors and make sure that any safety concerns have been taken care of. They will look at those a lot more than they look at how perfectly clean it is.
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Novice
2 Answers
Barbara Jennings

Epique Realty

(9)

You don’t need your home to be spotless for an appraisal, but it should look cared for and well-maintained. Appraisers are focused on the home’s condition, updates, layout, and features — not whether it’s been freshly deep cleaned.

That said, a clean and clutter-free home helps create a positive impression and allows the appraiser to see the property clearly. I recommend tidying up main living areas, making sure all systems and lights are working, and taking care of any small maintenance items.

With kids or a busy household, perfection isn’t required — just aim for “neat and lived-in.” A well-maintained home always tells the right story.

— Barbara Jennings, REALTOR®
Epique Realty | Fredericksburg, VA
Trusted Local Expert & Real Estate Advisor
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Novice
1 Answer
Tim Looney

Realty Executives Arizona Territory

(48)

Technically how 'Clean' your home is should have very little impact on your homes' appraised value. The appraiser should be comparing upgrades and options of your home with other similar sized / aged homes in your neighborhood or within a .5 mile radius. With that being said; cleaner is better for all showings and the appraisal appointment.

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