You can practically walk them over to the brand new high-efficiency furnace and it’s like... crickets.
That’s been my experience too. I replaced all the old single-pane windows with triple-pane low-E ones last year, thinking it’d make a real difference. The appraiser barely glanced at them. Meanwhile, my neighbor just painted their kitchen cabinets and suddenly their place is “modernized.” Makes me wonder if it’s even worth investing in the behind-the-scenes stuff unless you’re planning to stay put for a while. Do you think buyers will ever care more about utility bills than backsplash tile?
Title: Appraisal Came In Lower Than Expected—Now What?
Funny how a fresh coat of paint gets all the attention, right? I’ve seen folks drop serious cash on insulation and HVAC, but it’s the shiny countertops that get the “wow.” Still, those upgrades pay off in comfort and lower bills, even if appraisers don’t always see it. I’d say if you’re planning to stick around, it’s worth it for your own peace of mind. Buyers might catch up eventually... or maybe not.
Title: Appraisal Came In Lower Than Expected—Now What?
Honestly, I get it—everyone drools over the backsplash, but nobody cares about the insulation until their first winter bill hits. I’d rather have a house that’s actually comfortable than one that just looks good in photos. Appraisers missing the point is nothing new... but hey, at least my toes aren’t freezing.
I’d rather have a house that’s actually comfortable than one that just looks good in photos.
Couldn’t agree more. I’ve spent months on air sealing and insulation, and you’d be amazed how little that seems to matter when the appraiser comes through. Here’s what I’ve run into:
- Energy efficiency upgrades (like closed-cell spray foam or triple-pane windows) rarely get you dollar-for-dollar value on an appraisal, even though they save you money in the long run.
- Flashy finishes—backsplashes, quartz counters, etc.—seem to get all the attention, but comfort and utility get ignored.
- Appraisers usually just look at comps, not what’s actually *in* the walls.
Curious—did you document your insulation and HVAC upgrades? I’ve heard that providing receipts, specs, and even blower door test results can sometimes help, but I’m not convinced it moves the needle much. Anyone ever see a real bump from showing off the “invisible” stuff?
Title: Appraisal Came In Lower Than Expected—Now What?
Totally get where you’re coming from. I’ve tried the “binder of proof” approach—manuals, invoices, blower door results, even HERS rating—and honestly, it barely made a dent. Unless your area has green-certified comps, most appraisers just nod and move on. It’s frustrating because that stuff actually matters for living in the house, but it’s basically invisible on paper. Maybe someday the market will catch up...
