Appraisers take many factors into consideration when determining the value of a home. The condition and amenities of the home play a major role in deciding the appraised value. So do appraisers open up the fridge and peek inside during a home appraisal?
The short answer is maybe. Some appraisers will open the refrigerator as part of inspecting the overall condition of the kitchen. However, a detailed inspection of fridge contents is not a standard part of the appraisal process.
Looking inside the refrigerator can potentially provide insights into the functionality and condition of the appliance itself. Issues like broken shelves, rust, or abnormal noises when opened can be red flags for an appraiser. But the food and condiments themselves do not directly impact the appraisal.
Here are some key points on what appraisers look for during a home inspection and whether fridge contents play a role:
What appraisers look for in a home inspection
– Structural condition: An appraiser will carefully evaluate the foundation, roof, walls, floors, windows, doors, etc. Major defects could lower the home value.
– Condition of systems: This includes plumbing, electrical, HVAC, appliances, etc. Outdated or defective systems can detract from value.
– Overall maintenance: Things like peeling paint, rotting wood, overgrown landscaping may indicate larger issues. Better maintenance usually equals higher value.
– Layout and measurements: An appraiser verifies room dimensions, layout, additions, etc. match listing details. Bigger home size typically increases value.
– Quality and condition of finishes: This includes flooring, cabinets, countertops, fixtures, etc. Higher quality materials have more value.
– Safety issues: Things like mold, faulty wiring, stairs without railings are red flags. Safety impacts value.
– External influences: Nearby new construction, commercial areas, noisy roads, etc. can impact value.
Do appraisers look in the refrigerator?
The refrigerator itself, as a major appliance, is certainly inspected by appraisers. They will check that the refrigerator is in working order, without significant rust or damage, and meets the standard size expectations for the kitchen.
However, appraisers do not inspect the contents of the fridge as part of a standard home appraisal. The food inside does not impact the home value for these key reasons:
– Contents are personal property, not part of the real estate asset. The seller takes all belongings.
– Food quality is not necessarily indicative of home maintenance or neighborhood.
– Appliance functionality is not based on what is stored inside.
– Appraisers aim to be minimally invasive during inspections.
– Time constraints prevent a detailed inspection of contents.
– No market data exists correlating food in the fridge to home value.
So in summary, while appraisers may open the fridge briefly, they are not examining the contents closely or making judgements based on what is inside. The exception would be if they noticed moldy, leaking or smelly food, which could suggest appliance issues.
When would an appraiser look inside the fridge?
Appraisers typically would not spend time inventorying or inspecting fridge contents. But there are some cases where an appraiser may take a quick peek inside:
– Checking appliance functionality: They may verify the lights turn on, temperature is cold, etc.
– Looking for leaks and moisture: This could indicate problems with the refrigerator seals.
– Noting major spills or stains: Large stains could be difficult to remove.
– Catching a foul odor: Bad smells could suggest mold or appliance issues.
– Assessing kitchen size: Fridge capacity relates to kitchen size expectations.
– Making general notes on condition: Filthy fridges may signal broader issues.
– Following proper inspection protocols: Some lenders specifically request opening.
So the fridge contents themselves do not matter. But appraisers may briefly look inside as part of their duty to assess the overall condition of the home.
Typical fridge contents
While appraisers do not base valuations on fridge contents, it can be interesting to consider what a typical refrigerator contains. This data is more sociological than financial, but it highlights how greatly fridge contents can vary across households.
Some key survey data on the contents of a typical American refrigerator:
| Beverages | Milk, juice, soda, beer, water |
| Condiments | Ketchup, mayo, mustard, salad dressings |
| Dairy | Butter, cheese, yogurt, eggs |
| Produce | Fruits, vegetables, herbs |
| Meat | Fresh, processed, leftovers |
| Frozen foods | Ice cream, frozen meals, vegetables |
| Misc. | Sauces, spreads, jams, pickles |
Of course, contents vary greatly based on households. Key variables include:
– Family size and demographics
– Dietary needs and restrictions
– Frequency of grocery shopping
– Preferences for fresh, frozen, or shelf-stable foods
– Level of organization vs. clutter
– Income level and food budget
So while appraisers may politely look inside during an inspection, they know not to judge fridge contents. A fridge full of fresh produce does not necessarily mean the house will appraise higher than one filled with frozen pizza!
Impact of appliances on home value
Although the specific contents do not matter, the appliances themselves do impact home value during an appraisal. Some key considerations around appliances:
Working order
Appliances must be in good working order. Any appliances included in the sale must function properly without significant defects.
Good condition
The exterior condition also matters. Dented fridges, rusty ovens, and chipped countertops give the impression of wear and detract from value.
Up to date
Outdated or vintage appliances can reduce value, while recent updates may increase value. Features like double ovens, built-in coffee makers are seen as premium.
Energy efficiency
High efficiency appliances have become expected. Low-efficiency appliances can reduce value and raise concerns about pipes, ventilation, etc.
Full matching suite
A complete matching set of appliances is ideal. Mismatched brands or one old oven with new fridge looks piecemeal.
Meets kitchen size
Appliance size, style, and capacity should fit the kitchen. A tiny retro fridge in a large luxury kitchen looks off.
So while the appraiser does not care if the fridge contains Diet Coke or Dom Perignon, they do very much care about the fridge itself being clean, modern, and suited for the space. The appliances themselves impact home value.
Things appraisers don’t consider
We’ve covered that fridge contents don’t matter in home appraisals. Here are some other items that appraisers never consider:
– The brand or cost of food and beverages
– The owner’s cooking abilities
– Dietary choices like vegan or keto
– Number of takeout menus on the fridge
– Percentage of food that is organic
– Condition of appliances like the oven or dishwasher
– Small scratches, dents or stains on fridge exterior
– Personal items like photos or magnets on the fridge
– Cluttered or messy interior fridge organization
– Age, expiration dates or leftovers in fridge
The condition of the refrigerator itself is evaluated, not what’s inside. Appraisers aim to inspect the home, not judge the owner’s lifestyle choices!
What if my fridge is empty during appraisal?
It’s quite common for homeowners to empty the fridge completely before an appraisal. Some homeowners worry about getting judged on sparse contents or leftovers past expiration. Others see it as part of thoroughly cleaning the house before sale.
But an empty fridge for appraisal is totally fine and does not impact the home value at all. The appraiser simply notes the refrigerator is in working order and moves on with inspecting the rest of the home.
Some homeowners even jokingly stick a couple of beers in there or a “Thanks for appraising!” note. The appraiser may find that funny, but again, it has no relevance to their valuation.
The contents of a full fridge do not increase value compared to an empty one. So there is certainly no need to try stocking up just for appraisal day. Save that for the open houses!
How to prepare the kitchen and appliances for appraisal
To maximize your home’s value during an appraisal, focus cleaning and preparation on the kitchen appliances themselves, not the contents:
– Clean exterior of appliances: Eliminate grime, grease, stickers, magnets, etc.
– Clean interior of fridge and freezer: Toss expired food, wipe shelves, drawers, walls.
– Verify appliances are working: Test all settings and functions.
– Repair any damages: Address dents, missing pieces, rust spots, major stains.
– Improve visibility: Clear counter clutter, store small appliances.
– Let light in: Open blinds, turn on under-cabinet lighting.
– Stage appliances attractively: Keep some items out like a staged fruit bowl.
– Accent recent updates: Point out and highlight newer appliances.
With stainless steel gleaming and lighting glowing, you are sure to get the maximum appliance contribution to your home’s value. Happy appraising!
Conclusion
In summary, the contents of the refrigerator do not factor into a home appraisal. An appraiser may briefly open the fridge to inspect its condition, but they are not judging the contents inside. They focus on the appliances themselves being clean, updated, and in working order. Preparing for an appraisal involves cleaning and staging the appliances, not stressing over the food! So leave the Dom Perignon in place for the open house.