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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 | 40 views | Selling | 1 week ago
Answer(6)
Amanda Courtney
REP Realty Group
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.
- 4 days ago
Helpful (1)
Unhelpful (0)
Gale Culver
Real
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.
- 4 days ago
- Helpful (1)
- Unhelpful (0)
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Jese Gonzalez
Keller Williams Realty El Paso
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.
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.
- 4 days ago
- Helpful (1)
- Unhelpful (0)
Cambria Henry
Haven Real Estate Group
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.
- 3 days ago
- Helpful (0)
- Unhelpful (0)
Barbara Jennings
Epique Realty
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
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
- 4 days ago
- Helpful (0)
- Unhelpful (0)
Tim Looney
Realty Executives Arizona Territory
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.
- 4 days ago
- Helpful (0)
- Unhelpful (0)
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