A cluttered or messy home does not necessarily affect a home’s value.
Appraisers see hundreds of homes a year and will look past most clutter. However, an abnormally filthy, messy home may indicate a home isn’t being well taken care of and may signal underlying problems caused by a lack of care and maintenance.
Extreme clutter can also create obstacles during the appraisal process resulting in a lower appraisal value. Things like limited access, impaired functionality, negative perception of property condition, and difficulties in assessing square footage can be caused by extreme clutter.
So when does a home cross the line from a little clutter to a filthy mess that affects value? It has to do with whether the clutter and dirt prevents an appraiser from accurately appraising the property. Here is when home values start to be affected:
Limited access and visibility
When a property is excessively messy, it can hinder the appraiser's ability to access and inspect certain areas of the home. Appraisers need to examine the condition and features of the property to assess its value accurately. If clutter prevents them from doing a thorough inspection, it may result in limited information and potentially lower the appraisal value.
Impaired functionality and livability
Extreme clutter can make it difficult to assess the functionality and livability of a home. Messy, cluttered spaces can obscure important features, block access to rooms, impede movement, and create safety hazards. Appraisers consider the overall condition and functionality of a property when determining its value. If clutter significantly affects the functionality and livability of the home, it may lead to a lower appraisal value.
Perception of property condition
Clutter or excessive dirt can create an impression of poor maintenance or neglect, even if the underlying structure and systems of the property are in good condition.
Or worse, the excessive dirt is leading to problems that have negatively affected the properties condition such as mold that has damaged window frames, walls and other surfaces or garbage that has piled up and attracted rodents which can cause structural or wiring problems.
Appraisers take into account the overall condition and visual appeal of a home when assessing its value. If clutter gives the impression of a property in disrepair, it may negatively impact the appraisal value.
Difficulty in assessing square footage
Clutter can make it challenging for appraisers to accurately measure and determine the square footage of a property. Square footage is an essential factor in property valuation, as it influences the value per square foot used in comparisons with similar properties. If the mess inside or outside a home obstructs the appraiser's ability to measure and assess the actual square footage, it may affect the appraisal value.
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