4 Things to Know About Home Appraisals

Louisiana REALTORS • June 17, 2019

When you decide to sell your home, the appraisal process is big deal.  The appraisal is the evaluation of your home and property that is used to determine its value.  It is an unbiased opinion used by mortgage lenders to assign an objective worth to the home, ensuring that the amount that they lend to your buyer is appropriate.  Working with a knowledgeable, professional REALTOR® can help to not only sell your home, but to help through each stage of the process, including the appraisal.  Here are four important things to know about your home’s appraisal.

What does an appraiser do?

The appraiser assesses the property and provides an unbiased, objective judgement that is meant to validate the contract price of the home.  These findings are used by the lender.  The visit includes measuring the living space, taking pictures, performing a visual inspection of the interior, exterior, and surrounding area of the home. 

Can any improvements I’ve made impact the appraisal?

While making updates, improvements, and renovations to your home can enhance its appeal, it may not always result in a higher appraisal.  The cost of your updates will not result in an equivalent increase in appraised value.  While they may make your home more attractive to prospective buyers, they’ll have marginal impact on your appraiser’s valuation.

How does the appraised value compare to market value?

It is not uncommon for the market value of a home to be higher than the appraised value.  Working with a REALTOR® will help you price appropriately, but when financing is involved, if the appraised value is lower than the asking price, it can make a purchase at that price less likely.

What other factors influence the appraised value?

There are other factors involved than simply what the appraiser collects during their visit.  Comparable properties are a significant element that is used.  These are other homes in your area that are similar in size that have sold recently.  These sale prices will influence the appraised value of your home, in addition to the other data collected.

 

Consumer Guide Update: Teen Financial Literacy

By Louisiana REALTORS® • October 9, 2026
Want Your Teen to Own a Home Someday? Start Talking Money Now Teens may not be thinking about mortgage rates or down payments just yet, but the money habits they’re building now can follow them for years. And 88% of teens surveyed by Fannie Mae and Junior Achievement said they want to own a home someday. This week’s Consumer Guide: Talk to Your Teens About Money and Homeownership makes those conversations a little easier, covering everything from credit scores and budgeting to debt, renting versus owning and saving for that eventual down payment. So yes, you may have to interrupt the doomscrolling. But helping teens get smarter about money today could put them in a much better position to get the keys to a home of their own down the road. Download all of NAR’s Consumer Guides in English or Spanish at facts.realtor. For ease of reference, below is a list of the most recent guides: NEW: Teen Financial Literacy Fraud Red Flags Helping Family Members Become Homeowners Prepare Your Home for Hurricane Season Condominium Insurance Thank you for your continued engagement with the “Consumer Guide” series and for sharing the resources with prospective clients to ensure they have the information they need to find success in their home buying or selling journey. Remember that these guides are for informational purposes only and are not meant to enact or change any existing NAR policy. The next Consumer Guide, scheduled for publication on Oct. 21, will cover winter cold and storm preparedness.

Constitutional Amendment Positions for November 3 Election

By Louisiana REALTORS® • October 9, 2026
Homeownership Is on Louisiana's November Ballot

Cookbook for the REALTORS® Relief Foundation On Sale Now!

By Louisiana REALTORS® • October 8, 2026
After months of gathering recipes from across our Louisiana REALTORS® family, the cookbook is ready! This 200+ page collection is filled with Louisiana flavor, REALTOR® heart and recipes contributed by our members. We launched sales of the cookbook at the Fall Governance Meetings. You can now purchase your copy for $30 directly from the printer and shipped to you! Additionally, we will have copies available at the RRF booth at NXT . After NXT, we will carry a limited stock at the LR office for you to purchase through the LR Merch Shop and pick-up from the office or at an LR event, as stock is available. Even better, $15 from every cookbook sold will be donated to the REALTORS® Relief Foundation (RRF) to help provide housing-related assistance to REALTORS® and their families following disasters. Pick up a copy for yourself, grab one as a gift and enjoy a taste of Louisiana while supporting a great cause!
Show More