Getting your home appraised can often be a nerve-wracking experience. Your home and your handy work will be on display to be judged and valued so that you can move forward with selling your home.

But it doesn't have to be a stressful experience. With the right tools, tricks and savvy, the appraisal process can not only go smoothly, it can also help you make a giant financial leap toward a future in a new home. Do your Research

Just like anything else -- for example, if you're going to select a doctor, dentist, or lawyer -- you do your homework to find out the appraiser's market knowledge of the area, Ideally, your appraiser will be a local who knows the area well and who has been around long enough to see changes in the market. It's also crucial to hire an appraiser who is state certified.

Check your maintenance Whether it's a loose shingle, chipped paint or dirty carpet, be sure to take care of it before the appraiser comes. Anything obvious that needs work could potentially eat away at your home's value.

Also, keep a list of maintenance work that has been done on the home. Have a running list of what you have fixed and upgraded in your home as well as the amount of money you have spent. Know your neighborhood

Before you get your home appraised, be sure you know what comparable nearby homes are going for, because that can be a huge predictor of your home's value.

Also, inform your appraiser of any extraordinary circumstances, like if someone in your neighborhood had to sell their home quickly. Sellers may have to lower the price of their home to get out in a timely fashion in the event of death or job relocation in another state.

It's extremely important that both you and your appraiser are knowledgeable about your neighborhood to get as accurate a value as possible.

Understand that cost does not equal value When you make improvements to your home, you hope that everything you're upgrading will increase your property value -- but this isn't always the case.

If you're not satisfied, reach out

If you're dissatisfied with the appraisal value, contact the appraiser about your concerns. Make sure you have data to back up your claims when you call to voice your opinion.

You can always get a second appraisal, If you really think something was done incorrectly, voice your concern to the appraisal board as a last resort. All appraisers are licensed, and they don't want to jeopardize their license. However, I often recommend going back to the appraiser and showing [him or her] the facts.

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 Fire, 575-758-5852 in Taos, or call our agent direct at 575-770-3306.