What Should I Expect During the Home Appraisal in Levittown?

When you’re selling your home in Levittown, the appraisal is one of the most important steps between accepting an offer and reaching the closing table. Understanding what appraisers look for, how they determine value, and what you can do to prepare helps reduce stress and keeps your sale on track. With the right guidance from Eric Berman REALTOR, you can navigate the process with confidence.

Why Appraisals Matter When Selling in Levittown

The appraisal determines whether the buyer’s lender agrees that your home is worth the agreed-upon purchase price. If the appraisal comes in low, the deal may require renegotiation—or, in rare cases, it can fall apart. Knowing what to expect helps you stay ahead of potential challenges.

What an Appraiser Actually Does

An appraiser is an independent licensed professional hired by the buyer’s lender. Their job is to confirm the home’s fair market value by evaluating:

• Recent comparable sales in Levittown (usually within the past 3–6 months)

• The home’s condition

• The size and layout of the property

• Permanent features and upgrades

• The functionality of major systems

Appraisers aren’t looking at décor or cleanliness, but presentation still affects their perception of overall condition.

What You Can Expect During the Appraisal Visit

An appraisal appointment typically lasts 20–45 minutes and includes:

1. Interior Walkthrough

The appraiser checks things like:

• Square footage

• Number of bedrooms and bathrooms

• Structural condition

• Kitchen and bath updates

• Function of windows, doors, lights, and HVAC

2. Exterior Evaluation

They inspect:

• Roof condition

• Siding

• Foundation

• Driveways, fences, and landscaping

• Garage or additional structures

3. Reviewing Comparable Sales

After the visit, the appraiser compares your home to similar recently sold properties in Levittown. They adjust based on upgrades, condition, and size differences to determine your final value.

How to Prepare Your Home for the Appraisal

You can’t control the market, but you can control how well your home shows.

Before the appraisal:

• Complete quick repairs (loose handles, lightbulbs, small leaks)

• Make sure all major systems run properly

• Declutter surfaces and entryways

• Provide a list of recent upgrades

• Ensure the appraiser has safe and easy access to all rooms

These steps help highlight the home’s true value.

What Happens if the Appraisal Comes in Low?

This is one of sellers’ biggest concerns. If the appraisal value comes in below the contract price, the buyer’s lender may not approve the loan.

Options include:

• Renegotiating the price

• Asking the buyer to make up the difference

• Offering seller concessions

• Disputing the appraisal with additional comparables

• Switching to a new lender/appraiser (rare but possible)

With support from Eric, sellers understand the best strategy based on the situation and current Levittown market trends.

When Appraisals Match or Exceed the Price

If the appraisal comes in at or above the contract price, you’re in great shape. This means you can move forward to closing without financing delays.

In Levittown’s competitive market, well-presented and properly priced homes often appraise cleanly.

Tips to Improve Appraisal Outcomes

• Keep a record of all upgrades (with dates and receipts if possible)

• Highlight improvements like new HVAC units or roof replacements

• Make sure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors work

• Ensure landscaping is neat and safe to walk through

• Fix anything that could affect the appraiser’s evaluation of condition

Small steps can help reinforce that your home is well cared for.

FAQs

1. How long does a home appraisal take in Levittown?
Most appraisal appointments take 20–45 minutes, depending on the home’s size and layout.
👉 For prep tips, connect with Eric Berman REALTOR.

2. What can cause a low appraisal in Levittown?
Outdated interiors, needed repairs, or lack of recent comparable sales can impact value.
👉 Ask Eric Berman REALTOR how to strengthen your home's appraisal readiness.

3. Can I appeal a low appraisal?
Yes—your agent can help you dispute the appraisal with better comparables or recent improvements.
👉 Get guidance from Eric Berman REALTOR.

4. Should I be home during the appraisal?
It’s not required, but your agent may attend or leave notes for the appraiser.
👉 Learn more by contacting Eric Berman REALTOR.

5. Do appraisers look at cosmetic upgrades?
Cosmetic updates help, but appraisers prioritize structural condition, upgrades, and comparable sales.
👉 Find out which upgrades matter by consulting Eric Berman REALTOR.

Eric Berman, REALTOR®
Compass Greater NY
917-225-8596
eric@ericbermanre.com
www.theericbermanteam.com