"Also, putting together a quick one-page summary with before-and-after pics really helps."
Does that actually make a difference though? I've tried summaries and photos before... honestly felt like they didn't even glance at it. Maybe depends on the appraiser? Curious if others had better luck.
I've had mixed experiences myself with summaries and photos:
- One appraiser barely glanced at my carefully prepared before-and-after shots, felt like a waste of ink.
- Another time, though, the appraiser actually thanked me and mentioned it helped clarify the extent of renovations.
Seems like it really does depend on the individual appraiser and their approach. Not a guaranteed win, but probably still worth the effort just in case you get someone who's actually paying attention...
I've noticed similar inconsistencies myself—sometimes the appraiser dives deep into details, other times they barely skim. Makes me wonder if certain types of renovation documentation are more effective than others... Has anyone found specific formats or approaches that appraisers consistently respond well to?
I've wondered the same... maybe it's less about format and more about clarity or simplicity? I once gave an appraiser detailed spreadsheets, and they barely glanced at them, but photos with short captions seemed to grab their attention better. Could visuals be key here?
"photos with short captions seemed to grab their attention better"
Yeah, visuals probably help a lot. When we had ours done, I noticed the appraiser spent way more time looking at the before-and-after photos than the detailed reno list I prepared. Seems simpler is better sometimes...
