When it comes time to sell your house, you want to make sure that you understand all the factors that impact its value to get the best price. However, there are several persistent myths about what affects home values that you need to know aren't necessarily true when you request house appraisals. This will help you maximize your sale price down the line.

1. Bigger Homes Always Sell for More

It's easy to assume that larger homes directly translate to higher values. That said, square footage is just one piece of the puzzle. The location, layout, condition, and upgrades also play a huge role. Just because a 5,000-square-foot home seems impressive doesn't mean it'll automatically appraise for more than the smaller, renovated cottage down the street. Curb appeal and usable space contribute more to perceptions of value than sheer size in many cases.

2. Recent Upgrades Guarantee Return on Investment

You may think that investing $50,000 to renovate your kitchen and bathrooms will instantly raise your home's value and result in major profits. However, most house appraisals look at the overall comparable sales in the neighborhood, not just the upgrades. If other area homes haven't been renovated, our team has found that you likely won't recoup 100% of your renovation costs. Carefully consider the typical home styles and values around you before sinking money into upgrades.

3. Curb Appeal Doesn't Impact Value

It's what's on the inside that counts, right? While interior updates are important, don't underestimate the power of curb appeal and landscaping when it comes to home values. According to a member survey by the National Association of Realtors, 99% of members believe that curb appeal is important in attracting a buyer. Remember, a home's exterior is the first impression buyers see when browsing house appraisals for properties to tour and bid on. A stunning, welcoming exterior can entice buyers to pay more compared to a dated, worn-out exterior.

Now that you know some of the most common myths about home values, you can leverage accurate house appraisals to price your home correctly. Connect with professional appraisers to cut through assumptions and opinions to get data-backed insight into your home's true market value when preparing to sell. If you're looking to get your home appraised in the Atlanta area, we can help! Reach out to our team at Billingsley Retter & Associates Inc today to start the process.