1. Make those small repairs you've been postponing Your house isn't going to morph into a mega-mansion overnight, so some of the considerations for an appraisal (such as the number of rooms, square footage, and location) aren't negotiable. But you can make the most of your home's features. "Make sure that all the major systems have been serviced and that everything in the home appears to be maintained and functional. For appraisers, the condition of a home often matters more than the year it was built.

2. Improve your homes outside appeal

You might not pay much attention to your home's exterior, especially if you typically enter and exit through the garage or a side door. But curb appeal matters to potential buyers, and it matters to appraisers too. If you're wondering what else you can do (besides mowing the lawn) to boost curb appeal: Here's a quick landscaping fix:

• Strategically place container gardens • Mulch flower beds • Wipe down existing foliage and outdoor lights • Stage patios or porches with seating and pillows

3. Create a file of all recent improvements, upgrades, and tax documents. If you spend any money on your home, save all your receipts and keep them in a filing cabinet. (Or digitize the documents and store them on your computer.) It's also a good idea to take before-and-after photographs of any improvements and upgrades. By staying organize, you can easily prove to the appraiser what you did to improve and upgrade your home, and how much you spent. Also be sure to include documentation for any permits that were pulled as part of home improvement projects.

4. Know the comparisons in your area

One of the best ways to determine the value of your home is to compare it with similar homes nearby that have recently sold. If you know the comparisons as well as or better than the appraiser, you can challenge any lowball comparison they might use. ". Instead, here's a better approach: "Go to your local county offices and find out exactly what properties have sold in your area in the last six months and then go see them in person. You might find out that the property with the lowest sale price was a tear down.

5. Don't be forceful

To present the appraiser with all the great information you've gathered, you need to do so diplomatically, or all your efforts could be wasted. Meet the appraiser, and be as nice as possible but not overbearing, State that you have some information to share with them before they get started. You would then go over your Intel (don't forget to mention the brand-new shopping center nearby) and then let them do their job undisturbed. If you hover, the appraiser might wonder what you're trying to hide. One the appraiser is finished, you have one last chance to offer assistance. Ask the appraiser if they have any questions and if they feel there will be any issues with the appraisal.

If you're looking to purchase or sell a home, come to New Mexico Mountain Properties and our enormous selection of homes for sale in Angel fire as well as our Taos homes for sale. If its land you're looking for, we have the biggest selection in Angel Fire and Taos. We also have scenic condos in Angel Fire. Give us a call at 575-377-2626 in Angel