Getting ready for an appraisal from Devin Wilkins

To appraise a property, an appraiser is legally required to be licensed by the state when it's a federally related transaction. Contact us if you have any questions about the appraisal process.

To simplify the appraisal process, it's beneficial to have these documents ready for the appraiser:

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

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

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

  • List of personal property to be sold with the home.

  • Title policy that lists encroachments or easements.

  • Most recent real estate tax bill and or legal description of the property.

  • Home inspection reports, or other recent reports for termites, EIFS (synthetic stucco) wall systems, septic systems and your well.

  • A list of any major home improvements and enhancements, the date of their installation and their cost (for example, the addition of central air conditioning or roof repairs) and permit confirmation (if available).

  • Find copies of the current listing agreement, broker's data sheet and, if the sale is "pending", the purchase agreement.

  • Information on "Homeowners Associations" or condominium covenants and fees.

  • A list of "proposed" improvements when the property is being appraised "as complete".

When the appraiser has arrived, you do not need to accompany them along on the entire site inspection, but it's helpful be present to answer questions about your property and identify any home improvements.

Here are some other helpful recommendations:

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

  • Housekeeping: Appraisers see a lot of homes a year and will look past most clutter, but they're human beings too! A good impact can translate into a higher home value.

  • Maintenance: We often suggest fixing minor 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, be sure to ask your appraiser if there are extra things that should be done before they come. Some items they may recommend might be: installing a banister on all stairways, ensuring there are electrical receptacles in every room and that each receptacle functions, fixing leaky or dripping faucets, replacing broken glass.