Some nice hints to save you time on your appraisal from Mathes Appraisals LLC

To appraise a property, an appraiser is legally required to be licensed by the state when it's a federally related transaction. Just give us a call at 5026414347 if you have any questions about the appraisal process.

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

  • A plot plan or survey of the house and land (if available).

  • Any records on the purchase of the property for the last three years.

  • Information on any written private agreements, 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 lists encroachments or easements.

  • A bill for your most recent real estate taxes which should also contain a legal description of the property.

  • Any inspection reports, or other recent reports for termites, EIFS (synthetic stucco) wall systems, your septic system and your well.

  • A list of any major home improvements and upgrades, the amount of their purchase and date of their installation (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".

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

  • A list of "suggested" improvements if the property is to be appraised "as complete".

Once your appraiser arrives, you do not need to escort them along on the entire site inspection, but generally you'll want to be present to answer questions about your property and be willing to point out any home improvements.

Here are some other suggestions:

  • 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 hundreds of homes a year and will look past most 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: If your borrower is trying to apply for either an FHA or VA loan, definitely ask your appraiser if there are additional things that should be done before they arrive. Some items they may recommend might be: having a banister on all stairways, ensuring there are electrical receptacles in every room and that each outlet functions, eliminating pull-chain lights in areas other than the basement or attic.