Some useful tips to expedite your appraisal from Clarity Appraisals


	Legally, an appraiser must be licensed by the state to perform appraisals prepared for federally related transactions. Just give us a call at 5128455423 if you have any questions about the appraisal process.

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

A plot plan or survey of the house and land (if readily available).
Information on the latest purchase of the property in the last three years.
Written property agreements, such as a maintenance agreement for a shared driveway.
List of personal property to be sold with the building.
Title policy that describes encroachments or easements.
Most recent real estate tax bill and or legal description of the property.
Home inspection reports, or other recent reports for termites, EIFS (synthetic stucco) wall systems, your septic system and your well.
Brag sheet that lists major home improvements and 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).
A copy of the current listing agreement with broker's data sheet and purchase agreement if a sale is "pending".
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 has arrived, you do not need to escort him or her along on the entire site inspection, but you should be available to answer questions about your property and identify any home improvements.

Here are a few other tips:

Accessibility: Appraisers are very meticulous in their inspections. Make sure that all areas of the home are accessible, especially the attic and crawl space.
Housekeeping: Appraisers see a lot of homes a year and will look past most clutter, but they're human beings too! A good impact can translate into a higher value for your home.
Maintenance: We often recommend fixing small things like leaky faucets, missing door handles and trim.
FHA and VA Inspection Items: If your borrower is trying to apply for either an FHA or VA loan, definitely ask your appraiser if there are extra things that should be done before they come. Some items they may recommend might be: having handrails on all stairways, ensuring there are electrical receptacles in every room (note: GFI outlets are no longer required) and that each receptacle works, eliminating pull-chain lights in areas other than the basement or attic.