How to Prepare for an Appraisal

To help the appraisal go as smoothly as possible we generally recommend you take the following actions and prepare the listed documents, if available, for the appraiser.

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.
  • Remove any snow that will prevent access to the property.
  • 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. (FHA/VA)
  • Remove unneeded clutter from attic and crawl space so areas are accessible. (FHA/VA)
  • Safety equipment in house installed and working properly.
  • Replace light bulbs so rooms have adequate lighting.
  • Remove photographs of people from every room.
  • Outbuildings such as garages, sheds, pool houses, cabanas, etc. need to be accessible. (FHA/VA)
  • Ensure furnace and water heater are accessible.
  • Confirm heating and air conditioning are operational. (FHA/VA)
  • Ensure home appliances are unloaded such as the dishwasher, washer machine, dryer, etc. (FHA/VA)
  • Address any exposed wiring in living area and install faceplates covers if missing.
  • Repair small things like leaky faucets, missing door handles, and trim. (Recommendation) (FHA/VA)
  • Mow your yard and trim your bushes or trees (Recommendation)
  • Remove photographs of people from every room. (Underwriter requirement)

Documents:

  • Arrangements to inspect the property.
  • An ALTA survey, site survey, parcel or plot map of the property and building (if available).
  • Copy of original house plans if available.
  • Records on the purchase of the property in the last three years.
  • Information on any written private agreements, such as a 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.
  • Title policy with HUD-1, Schedule A and B (that lists encroachments or easements).
  • Copies of utility, roadway, or other easements.
  • Transaction history for the subject property, including sales, purchase, lease, options, listing agreements.
  • Copies of any CC&R's, HOA bylaws and associated fees or any deed restrictions relating to the property.
  • Description of any common or shared areas within the community, subdivision and/or project.
  • Copies of any subdivision or engineering maps showing set back lines.
  • Copies of any current or past Seller Property Disclosure Statements (SPDS)
  • Copies of CLUE insurance claims reports.
  • Most recent real estate tax bill and or any tax appeal information.
  • Legal description of the property.
  • Any inspection reports, or other recent reports for termites, EIFS (synthetic stucco) wall systems, your septic system and your well.
  • Copies of any Environmental Study, Home Inspections or Termite Reports.
  • Copies of any previous appraisals, broker opinions (BPO's/CMA's) and/or marketing flyers involving the property.
  • A list of any major home improvements and enhancements (for example, the addition of central air conditioning or roof repairs). Please include the purchase and installation date, along with permit confirmation if available.
  • A list of improvements/site/home improvements and enhancements (for example, the addition of central air conditioning or roof repairs). Please include the purchase and installation date, along with permit confirmation if available. A cost breakdown of any upgrades, features list, renovations, remodeling, and/or repairs.
  • If applicable, location and status of underground/above ground storage tanks located on the property.
  • If applicable, provide the condominium budget and year-end statement.
  • If there is litigation on the property: All expert reports from both the Plaintiffs and the Defendants, and copies of any filings regarding the case.
  • Any other information which could be deemed pertinent to the appraisal/valuation of the property.
Download Checklist