How to Prepare for an Appraisal To help the appraisal go as smoothly as possible, we recommend you take the following actions and prepare the listed documents, if available, for the Appraiser.
When the appraiser arrives, they will introduce themselves and then measure the exterior of the subject property. As well as take photos of the house. When the Appraiser is ready, they will knock on the door for entry, draw out the floor plan, and take pictures of walls, ceilings, and floors. If there is an upstairs, the Appraiser will measure the upper level and take photos as they go. At the end, the Appraiser will ask if there have been any updates to the property and ask any questions they have. Feel free to ask any questions at the end of the inspection. Checklist - Unlock all padlocks on the property.
- Keep a leash on pets or remove them from the property.
- Make sure all areas of the home are accessible.
- Verify lock box combination and access keys are accessible, and do not lock the storm door from the inside.
- Remove locks, furniture, clothing, boxes, or anything that may prevent entry to the attic, crawl spaces, furnace, and water heater.
- Safety equipment in-house installed and working properly.
- Replace light bulbs so rooms have adequate lighting.
- Outbuildings such as garages, sheds, pool houses, cabanas, etc., must be accessible.
- Confirm that heating and air conditioning are operational.
- Ensure home appliances are unloaded(Dishwasher, Stove, and Microwave). (FHA/VA)
- Address any exposed wiring in the living area and install faceplate covers if missing.
- Repair minor things like leaky faucets, missing door handles, and trim. (Recommendation) (FHA/VA)
- Mow your yard and trim your bushes or trees (Recommendation)
- Have garage door open
- Able to point out Septic Tank & Well line during the inspection
Documents to give Appraiser at time of inspection - A list of any home improvements done in the last three years. Please provide the year and item. Examples include doors, fixtures, AC, Furnace, Flooring, Paint, Roof, Windows, Fence, Patios, Pools, Updated Bathrooms, and Updated Kitchens, to name a few.
- A survey or plot map of the property and buildings (if available).
- Copy of original house plans, if available
- Copy of written private agreements, such as shared driveway with a neighbor.
- A list of any personal property that is part of the home and you intend to be sold with the home, such as an oven or a washer and dryer.
- Copy of Title policy that lists encroachments or easements.
- Any inspection reports or other recent reports for termites, EIFS (synthetic stucco) wall systems, septic systems, etc.
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