The Appraisal Connection, Inc.'s

How to Prepare for an Appraisal Inspection

The appraisal inspection consists of measuring the exterior and interior of the home (and any outbuildings on the property) and photographing the condition. It is not the tidiness of the property but the condition that is being documented.  Please make sure all areas are accessible to the appraiser for measuring and photographing.

      In addition, the appraiser may need for you to supply documentation.  Examples of documents needed sometimes include the following:  

• A plot plan or survey of the house and land.
• Information on the purchase of the property for the last three years.
• Information on any written private easements, e.g. a shared driveway with a neighbor.
• Title policy that describes encroachments or easements.
• A list of any personal property that will be left behind/sold with the home as part of the purchase price.
• A bill for your most recent real estate taxes which should also contain a legal description of the property.
• Any inspection reports or other recent reports for termites, EIFS (synthetic stucco) wall systems, septic systems and wells foundations, etc.
• Brag sheet that lists major home improvements and enhancements and includes date of their installation and their cost (e.g., the addition of central air conditioning, roof repairs, kitchen remodel) and permit confirmation (if available).
• Information on "Homeowners Associations" or condominium covenants and fees.
• A detailed list of proposed improvements of the property if it is to be appraised "subject to completion".

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 questions about your property and identify any home improvements.

Here are a few other recommendations:

• Accessibility: Appraisers are very thorough in their inspections.  Please make sure that all areas of the home are accessible especially the attic and crawl space.
• Housekeeping: Appraisers see many homes a year and will look past most clutter but be sure that all areas are accessible to the appraiser and there are no trip hazards.
• Maintenance: We often suggest repairing small things like leaky faucets, missing door handles and trim.
• FHA and VA Inspection Items: If your borrower is trying to apply for either an FHA or VA loan, definitely ask your appraiser if there are extra things that should be done before they arrive.  We are more than willing to review the FHA checklist items prior to inspection so that a second inspection may be unnecessary.