Preparing Your Missoula Home for a Divorce Appraisal
Going through a divorce is stressful enough without having to worry about whether your home appraisal will reflect its true value. Taking some time to prepare your property beforehand can make a meaningful difference in the outcome — and ultimately in how assets are divided.
Start with a Deep Clean and Declutter
First impressions matter, even to professional appraisers. Walk through your home with fresh eyes and remove anything that makes rooms feel cramped or chaotic. Excess furniture, stacked boxes, and personal collections can visually shrink a space and distract from its actual square footage and features. A thorough cleaning — including windows, baseboards, and overlooked corners — signals that the home has been well cared for.
Take Care of Small Repairs Before the Appointment
Minor issues have a habit of adding up in an appraiser's assessment. A dripping faucet, a cracked tile, or scuffed paint might seem trivial on their own, but together they suggest deferred maintenance, which can pull the valuation down. Go room by room and address the small things: touch up paint, tighten loose hardware, fix any visible damage, and make sure every light switch and outlet is working properly.
Confirm That Major Systems Are Accessible and Operational
Appraisers need to evaluate your home's core systems, so make sure nothing is blocked or out of service. Test your HVAC, check that all appliances power on, and clear any obstructions from the attic, basement, crawl space, or utility areas. If the roof was recently serviced or the water heater replaced, those are details worth mentioning.
Pull Together Your Paperwork
Documentation is one of the most underutilized tools homeowners have going into an appraisal. Collect records of any renovations or upgrades you've made, including costs, completion dates, and permits where applicable. Before-and-after photos are particularly helpful. Maintenance logs for the roof, HVAC, and plumbing can also support a stronger valuation by demonstrating consistent upkeep.
Draw Attention to the Right Features
Don't assume the appraiser will catch every improvement on their own — walk them through what's been updated. A remodeled kitchen, new hardwood floors, updated countertops, energy-efficient windows, a finished basement, or any outbuildings on the property all contribute to value and deserve to be noted explicitly during the visit.
A Note on Divorce Appraisals in Missoula
Montana follows equitable distribution principles in divorce, meaning the court aims for a fair — though not always equal — division of marital assets. An accurate home appraisal is a cornerstone of that process, so accuracy matters just as much as a favorable number.
In Missoula, it's worth asking your divorce attorney for appraiser recommendations, since many local attorneys work regularly with appraisers who understand both the Missoula market and the specific requirements of divorce proceedings. In many cases, both parties agree to use a single jointly-appointed appraiser, which helps reduce the risk of competing valuations and keeps the process moving forward more smoothly.