How to Prepare for an Appraisal

Before an Appraiser arrives, there are a few things you should know. By law, an appraiser must be state certified to perform appraisals prepared for federally related transactions. Also by law, you are entitled to receive a copy of the completed appraisal report from your lender, the Appraiser is not permitted to provide you a copy.

The Appraiser will need to look in each room of the home, measure the exterior including garage and take interior and exterior photos.

It is recommended that where possible provide needed documents and consider suggestions below when possible. These will expedite your appraisal process and enhance the value consideration.

DOCUMENTS:

• A plot plan or survey of the house and land (if readily available) other than a subdivision home.
• Written property agreements, such as a maintenance agreement for a shared driveway
• Contract (if a purchase) with list of personal property to be sold with the home
• Title policy if there are encroachments or easements
• Home inspection reports, or other recent reports for termites, septic systems and wells if available.
• List of  major home improvements and upgrades, the date of their installation (for example, the addition of central air conditioning or roof repairs) and permit confirmation (if available)
• Information on "Homeowners Associations" or condominium covenants and fees.

Here are some other suggestions:

• Accessibility: Make sure that all areas of the home are accessible, especially to the attic and crawl space. If possible have bushes trimmed back from house as Appraiser must measure around the walls and Please try not to run sprinklers before arrival.
• Housekeeping: Appraisers see hundreds of homes a year and will look past most clutter, but they're human beings too! A good impression is important.
• Maintenance: Repair minor things like leaky faucets, missing door handles and trim, paint needed areas, repair rotten wood or damaged walls, improve landscaping and any other serious improvements possible, like replace torn or damaged carpet and flooring or damaged pool surface.
• FHA Inspection Items: If your borrower is applying for an FHA loan provide inspection access to the attic and crawl spaces. Appraiser will check hot running water, AC and heating system for operation, electrical system and kitchen appliances for operation, roof cover with at least 3 years of remaining life.

• Once your appraiser has arrived, you do not need to accompany him or her along on the entire site inspection, but you should be available to answer questions about your property and be willing to point out any home improvements.

• Pets:  As your appraiser will need full access to the interior and exterior of your property, please insure that your pets cannot come into direct contact with your appraiser.