Regional Appraisal, LLC.'s appraisal to-do list

Legally, an appraiser must be state licensed to perform appraisals prepared for federally related transactions. Just give us a call at 8599076666 if you have any questions about the appraisal process.

To aid 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 information 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 building.

  • Any documents, such as a title policy with information on encroachments or easements encroachments or easements.

  • 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, your septic system and wells.

  • Brag sheet that lists major home improvements and enhancements, the date of their installation and their cost (for example, the addition of insulation or roof repairs) and permit confirmation (if available).

  • Locate copies of the current listing agreement, broker's data sheet and, in the event of a pending sale.

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

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

When the appraiser arrives, you do not need to escort him or her along on the entire site inspection, but generally you'll want to be available to answer questions about your property and be willing to point out any home improvements.

Here are some other tips:

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

  • Housekeeping: Appraisers see quite a few of homes a year and are no strangers to clutter, but they're human beings too! A good impression can translate into a better value for your home.

  • Maintenance: We generally suggest repairing minor things like leaky faucets, missing door handles and trim.

  • FHA and VA Inspection Items: In the case of your borrower applying for either an FHA or VA loan, we strongly recommend to ask your appraiser if there are additional things that should be done before they arrive. Some things they may recommend might be: putting smoke detectors on every floor of the home and especially near bedrooms, ensuring there are electrical receptacles in every room (note: GFI outlets are no longer required) and that each outlet functions, eliminating pull-chain lights in areas other than the basement or attic.