How to Prepare for an Appraisal

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

  • Written property agreements, such as a maintenance agreement for a shared driveway
  • List of personal property to be sold with the home, if applicable.
  • Home inspection reports or other recent reports for termites, EIFS (synthetic stucco) wall systems, septic systems and wells.
  • A list of major home improvements/upgrades, the date of their installation and their cost (for example, the addition of central air conditioning or roof repairs) and permit confirmation (if available).
  • Information on "Homeowners Associations" or condominium CC&R's, including current monthly dues and management company name/phone number.

Once your appraiser has arrived, you do not need to accompany them along the entire site inspection, but you should be available to answer questions about your property and be willing to point out any home improvements.

Your appraiser will need the following:

  • Accessibility: Make sure that all areas of the home are accessible. The appraiser will have to return, likely at an additional cost to the homeowner, if they are unable to see the entire property.  
  • Housekeeping: Appraisers see hundreds of homes a year and will look past most clutter, but a good impression can translate into a higher home value. Remember, the appraiser will be taking interior and exterior photos which will be included with the appraisal report. These photos provide the lender with a visual picture of the condition of your home.  
  • Maintenance: Repair minor things like leaky faucets, missing door handles and trim, kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors that won't close completely, etc.