How to Prepare for an Appraisal

There are several factors that can affect the appraiser’s final opinion of value for your home, including whether or not:

• It is well maintained inside and out
• It is located in a good school district
• Additions fit well into the existing house
• Properties throughout the neighborhood are well maintained
• It is the largest house on the block (or the most improved)
• The style of the house conforms with those in the neighborhood
• Zoning changes are expected

For those items listed above that you can improve on, such as maintaining your house (which includes repairing leaky faucets, painting over spots on the wall, etc.), it is well worth the effort to do so prior to scheduling the appraisal.  Nobody needs to hear housekeeping rules, but trust us that your lender has seen their share of unmade beds, excess debris, and open toilet lids.  Only the appraiser inspects your home....your lender sees exactly what the appraiser sees, only you won’t have the opportunity to explain.

Once you decide to schedule the appraisal, you should try to gather all of the following documents to present to your appraiser upon his or her arrival:

• A plot plan or survey of the house and land
• A current and accurate legal description of the property
• Copies of any recent home inspection reports, or other recent reports, such as roof inspection, pest control, or home inspection. 
• A copy of your title policy if available
• Homeowners Association information and fees
• Property ownership history for the last three years
• All written property agreements that you may have – such as shared driveway or private roadway maintenance agreement, etc.
• A list of personal property that is to be included in the sale of the home,
• A list of major home improvements (including date and permit confirmation, if necessary).  This will include any alterations, room additions, or similar occurrences.
• A copy of the current listing agreement, if applicable
• A copy of the Purchase Agreement and all addenda, if a sale is pending
  

Also prior to the scheduled appraisal, you should also make sure that all areas of your home are accessible and that your home is as clean and orderly as possible to make a good impression on the appraiser.