Some helpful tips to speed your appraisal along from Meade & Associates

Legally, an appraiser must be state licensed to perform appraisals prepared for federally related transactions - i.e. transactions related to OTS, FDIC, etc.... Just give us a call at 8593316463 if you have any questions about the appraisal process.

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

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

  • Any information 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.

  • Any paperwork, such as a title policy with information on encroachments or easements 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.

  • 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).

  • Find copies of the current listing agreement, broker's data sheet and, if the sale is "pending", the purchase agreement.

  • Information on "Homeowners Associations" or condominium covenants and fees.

  • A list of "proposed" improvements when the property is being appraised "as complete".

When the appraiser arrives, you do not need to accompany them along on the entire site inspection, but you should be present to answer inquiries about your property and be willing to point out any home improvements.

Here are a few other helpful suggestions:

  • Accessibility: Appraisers are very detailed in their inspections. You should 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 are no strangers to clutter, but they're human beings too! A good impact can translate into a better home value.

  • Maintenance: We often recommend repairing small 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, definitely ask your appraiser if there are specific things that should be done before they arrive. Some items they may recommend might be: putting smoke detectors on all levels and especially near bedrooms, where paint is peeling it should be removed and repainted, repairing any faucets that leak or drip, fixing broken windows or other glass like doors.