How to Prepare for an Appraisal

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

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 will be left behind and sold with the home, such as an oven, or a washer and dryer.
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, septic systems and your well.
Brag sheet that lists major home improvements and enhancements, the date of their installation and their cost (for example, the addition of energy efficiency upgrades or roof repairs) and permit confirmation (if available).
Information on "Homeowners Associations" or condominium covenants and fees.
Prepare for the Inspection

When the appraiser arrives, you do not need to accompany 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. Click here to take a look at what the Appraiser will be observing during the inspection.

Here are some other tips:

Smoke Alarms and CO2 Detectors: It is required to have working Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors in your house. Take a look here to see where you should have Smoke Alarms, and here to learn about the Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act.
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 many of homes a year and will look past most clutter, but they're human beings too! A good impression can mean a higher value for your home.
Maintenance: We often suggest fixing minor things like leaky faucets, missing door handles and trim.
FHA and VA Inspection Items: In the case of your borrower trying to apply for either an FHA or VA loan, be sure to ask your appraiser if there are additional things that should be done before they come. Some things they may recommend might be: installing a banister on all stairways, ensuring there are electrical receptacles in every room and that each outlet works, repairing any faucets that leak or drip, replacing broken glass.