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:

• Please ensure all exterior doors are unlocked and accessible (including screen porch doors).
• Outbuildings such as garages, sheds, pool houses, cabanas, etc. need to be accessible.
• Make sure all areas of the home are accessible.  Please note that lenders are now requiring interior photos of all rooms.
• Please have pets contained during the appraisal site visit.  We are dog friendly, but sometimes they are not when we're in their territory! :-)
• For FHA assignments, please ensure that the attic and crawl space are easily accessible.
• Address any exposed wiring in living area and install faceplates covers if missing. (FHA/VA)

Documents: (if you have them readily available; if not, no worries)

• Please advise of any updates to the home in the past 10 years. (i.e.-roof, HVAC, bathroom/kitchen updates, etc.)
• Copy of original house plans if available.
• Information on any written private agreements, such as a shared driveway with a neighbor.