A Home Appraisal Checklist for Nashville Buyers

When you buy a home in Nashville or nearby suburbs like Franklin or Brentwood, the lender will order an appraisal. The appraiser gives a dollar value that helps the lender decide how much to loan.

A clear appraisal can keep your sale on track. A low appraisal can cause delays or require more down payment.

What a home appraisal is

An appraisal is done by an independent professional. They do not work for the buyer, seller, or lender. Their job is to estimate market value based on what similar homes are selling for and the condition of the house.

Lenders use the appraisal to make sure the loan amount is safe for them. For you, it confirms that you are not overpaying for the home.

What appraisers look at

Appraisers inspect the interior and exterior of the house. They count bedrooms and bathrooms, check the roof, HVAC, and look for obvious safety issues. They also note permanent, installed upgrades like new kitchens or added bathrooms.

This is different from a home inspection. Appraisers focus on value and marketability, not on every repair or code item. They may flag major issues that affect value.

How comparable sales affect value

One of the biggest factors is comparable sales, or comps. Appraisers look for recent sales of similar homes in nearby neighborhoods like Mt. Juliet, Hendersonville, or Nolensville.

If homes like yours sold lower, your appraisal may be lower. If they sold higher, you could get a stronger appraisal. Location and lot size matter a lot.

How to prepare your home

Clean and declutter before the appraiser arrives. Curb appeal helps, so mow the lawn, trim bushes, and clear walkways. Small repairs such as fixing a broken window or replacing a burned out light are easy wins.

Make a short list of recent upgrades and receipts. If you have comparable sales to show, bring them. Appraisers appreciate clear, organized information that supports value.

If the appraisal comes in low

First, talk with your loan officer. You can ask the lender to review the appraisal for errors or add stronger comps. Sometimes a second appraisal is possible, or the buyer and seller can renegotiate price.

You can also increase your down payment to cover the gap. Each situation is different, so get advice from a local lender who knows the Nashville area.

If you have questions about appraisals in Middle Tennessee, give me a call. I am Keith Goeringer, a mortgage loan officer serving Nashville and the surrounding suburbs. Call 615-955-0461, or visit keithgo.com. My NMLS is 488023, Company NMLS 181106. I can walk you through the next steps.

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