Adam's Appraisal Services's appraisal to-do list

	By law, an appraiser must be state licensed to perform appraisals prepared for federally related transactions. Contact us if you have any questions about the appraisal process.

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

• A survey or plat 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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

• Brag sheet that lists major home improvements and upgrades, 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, if the sale is "pending", the purchase agreement.

• Any "Homeowners Associations" agreements or, if applicable, condo agreements or fees.

• A list of "suggested" 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 available to answer inquiries about your property and be willing to point out any home improvements.

Here are a few other helpful suggestions:

• Accessibility: Appraisers are very thorough in their inspections. You should make sure 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 aren't surprised at seeing a bit of clutter, but they're human beings too! A good impression can mean a better home value.

• Maintenance: We often suggest fixing small 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 specific things that should be done before they arrive. Some items they may recommend might be: installing smoke detectors on all levels and especially near bedrooms, ensuring there are electrical receptacles in every room and that each receptacle functions, fixing leaky or dripping faucets, fixing broken windows or other glass like doors.