5 Things That Can Hurt Your Home Appraisal Value
Learn about the top 5 factors that can negatively impact your home appraisal value and what you can do to address them before the appraiser arrives.
February 16, 2026
# 5 Things That Can Hurt Your Home Appraisal Value
As professional appraisers, we have seen countless properties over our 25+ years in business. While some factors affecting value are beyond a homeowner control (like location and market conditions), many elements that negatively impact appraisals can be addressed before the appraiser arrives.
## 1. Deferred Maintenance and Needed Repairs
**The Impact**: Visible maintenance issues signal to appraisers that a property may have been neglected, potentially hiding more serious problems.
**Common Problems**:
- Peeling exterior paint
- Damaged or missing roof shingles
- Cracked or broken windows
- Non-functioning HVAC systems
- Plumbing leaks or water stains
- Damaged flooring or carpeting
**The Fix**: Address obvious repairs before the appraisal. Even small fixes like replacing broken light fixtures, repairing leaky faucets, and touching up paint can make a significant difference in the appraiser overall assessment.
## 2. Outdated or Poorly Maintained Systems
**The Impact**: Major systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, roof) significantly affect a home value. Outdated or failing systems result in downward adjustments.
**What Appraisers Look For**:
- Age and condition of HVAC system
- Roof age and remaining useful life
- Electrical panel capacity and safety
- Plumbing condition and water pressure
- Hot water heater age and type
**The Fix**: If you have recently replaced major systems, provide documentation to the appraiser. Maintenance records showing regular servicing can also demonstrate that systems have been well-maintained.
## 3. Unpermitted Additions or Renovations
**The Impact**: Unpermitted work cannot be included in the square footage calculation and may raise red flags about quality and safety.
**Common Issues**:
- Converted garages without permits
- Added bedrooms or bathrooms
- Finished basements
- Room additions
- Deck or patio construction
**The Fix**: If you have made improvements, provide permits and final inspections. If work was done without permits, consider getting retroactive permits or be prepared for the appraiser to exclude that space from the gross living area calculation.
## 4. Cluttered or Dirty Conditions
**The Impact**: While appraisers are trained to look past cosmetic issues, excessive clutter makes it difficult to assess the property true condition and can create a negative impression.
**Problem Areas**:
- Overflowing storage areas
- Excessive personal items
- Dirty or unkempt rooms
- Strong odors (pets, smoke, cooking)
- Overgrown landscaping
**The Fix**: Treat the appraisal like a showing. Clean thoroughly, declutter, remove pet odors, and ensure the appraiser can easily access all areas including attics, basements, and garages.
## 5. Negative External Factors
**The Impact**: Issues outside your property line can affect value, even if they are not your fault.
**Common Problems**:
- Proximity to commercial or industrial properties
- Nearby foreclosures or distressed properties
- Busy roads or highways
- Power lines or cell towers
- Declining neighborhood conditions
**The Fix**: While you cannot change your location, you can emphasize positive aspects. Provide information about recent neighborhood improvements, low crime rates, good schools, and community amenities.
## Bonus Tip: Provide Documentation
Help your appraiser by providing:
- List of recent improvements with dates and costs
- Permits for any work performed
- Receipts for major purchases (HVAC, roof, appliances)
- HOA documents and fee information
- Survey or plot plan
- Information about unique features or upgrades
## The Bottom Line
While appraisers are objective professionals who follow strict guidelines, presenting your property in the best possible condition helps ensure an accurate valuation. Most of these issues are fixable with some time and effort before the appraisal appointment.
---
*Preparing for an appraisal? Contact Black Horn Valuations at (423) 904-6400. Our experienced appraisers provide thorough, unbiased valuations accepted by all major lenders.*
As professional appraisers, we have seen countless properties over our 25+ years in business. While some factors affecting value are beyond a homeowner control (like location and market conditions), many elements that negatively impact appraisals can be addressed before the appraiser arrives.
## 1. Deferred Maintenance and Needed Repairs
**The Impact**: Visible maintenance issues signal to appraisers that a property may have been neglected, potentially hiding more serious problems.
**Common Problems**:
- Peeling exterior paint
- Damaged or missing roof shingles
- Cracked or broken windows
- Non-functioning HVAC systems
- Plumbing leaks or water stains
- Damaged flooring or carpeting
**The Fix**: Address obvious repairs before the appraisal. Even small fixes like replacing broken light fixtures, repairing leaky faucets, and touching up paint can make a significant difference in the appraiser overall assessment.
## 2. Outdated or Poorly Maintained Systems
**The Impact**: Major systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing, roof) significantly affect a home value. Outdated or failing systems result in downward adjustments.
**What Appraisers Look For**:
- Age and condition of HVAC system
- Roof age and remaining useful life
- Electrical panel capacity and safety
- Plumbing condition and water pressure
- Hot water heater age and type
**The Fix**: If you have recently replaced major systems, provide documentation to the appraiser. Maintenance records showing regular servicing can also demonstrate that systems have been well-maintained.
## 3. Unpermitted Additions or Renovations
**The Impact**: Unpermitted work cannot be included in the square footage calculation and may raise red flags about quality and safety.
**Common Issues**:
- Converted garages without permits
- Added bedrooms or bathrooms
- Finished basements
- Room additions
- Deck or patio construction
**The Fix**: If you have made improvements, provide permits and final inspections. If work was done without permits, consider getting retroactive permits or be prepared for the appraiser to exclude that space from the gross living area calculation.
## 4. Cluttered or Dirty Conditions
**The Impact**: While appraisers are trained to look past cosmetic issues, excessive clutter makes it difficult to assess the property true condition and can create a negative impression.
**Problem Areas**:
- Overflowing storage areas
- Excessive personal items
- Dirty or unkempt rooms
- Strong odors (pets, smoke, cooking)
- Overgrown landscaping
**The Fix**: Treat the appraisal like a showing. Clean thoroughly, declutter, remove pet odors, and ensure the appraiser can easily access all areas including attics, basements, and garages.
## 5. Negative External Factors
**The Impact**: Issues outside your property line can affect value, even if they are not your fault.
**Common Problems**:
- Proximity to commercial or industrial properties
- Nearby foreclosures or distressed properties
- Busy roads or highways
- Power lines or cell towers
- Declining neighborhood conditions
**The Fix**: While you cannot change your location, you can emphasize positive aspects. Provide information about recent neighborhood improvements, low crime rates, good schools, and community amenities.
## Bonus Tip: Provide Documentation
Help your appraiser by providing:
- List of recent improvements with dates and costs
- Permits for any work performed
- Receipts for major purchases (HVAC, roof, appliances)
- HOA documents and fee information
- Survey or plot plan
- Information about unique features or upgrades
## The Bottom Line
While appraisers are objective professionals who follow strict guidelines, presenting your property in the best possible condition helps ensure an accurate valuation. Most of these issues are fixable with some time and effort before the appraisal appointment.
---
*Preparing for an appraisal? Contact Black Horn Valuations at (423) 904-6400. Our experienced appraisers provide thorough, unbiased valuations accepted by all major lenders.*