Apprasal Checklist

To make your appraisal process go as smoothly as possible I generally recommend to have these documents, if available, ready for the appraiser:

• A survey or plot map of the property and building (if available).

• Any information on the purchase of the property for the last three years.

• Information on any written private agreements, such as a shared driveway with a neighbor.

• Any past Appraisals.

• Title policy that lists encroachments or easements.

• Any inspection reports, or other recent reports for termites, mold, radon, wall systems, septic systems and wells.

• Sheet that lists major home improvements and upgrades, the amount of their purchase and date of their installation (for example, the addition of new flooring or roof repairs) and permit confirmation (if available).

• Any "Homeowners Associations" agreements or, if applicable, condo covenants or fees.

• A list of "suggested" improvements with cost breakdown if the property is to be appraised "as complete".

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Once your appraiser has arrived, you do not need to escort them along on the entire site inspection, but you should be available to answer inquiries about your property and be willing to point out any home improvements.

Here are a few other helpful suggestions:

• Accessibility: Appraisers are very meticulous in their inspections. We recommend that all areas of the home are accessible, especially the basement, attic, crawl space and outbuildings.

• Housekeeping: I see hundreds of homes a year and am not surprised at seeing a bit of clutter. Clutter or messes have no impact on value.

• Maintenance: I generally suggest fixing minor things like missing siding, leaking faucets, missing door handles and trim.

• FHA and VA Inspection Items: In the case of your borrower trying to apply for either an FHA or VA loan, be sure to ask your appraiser if there are additional things that should be done before they arrive. Some things they may recommend might be: having a banister on all stairways, ensuring there are electrical receptacles in every room and that each receptacle functions, repairing any faucets that leak or drip, fixing broken windows or other glass like doors.