Appraisal Preparation

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.
• Written property agreements, such as a maintenance agreement for a shared driveway.
• 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.
• 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 wells.
• A list of any major home improvements and enhancements, 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".
• Any "Homeowners Associations" agreements or, if applicable, condo agreements or fees.
• A list of "proposed" improvements when the property is being appraised "as complete".

Once your appraiser has arrived, you do not need to escort them along on the entire site inspection, but it's helpful be present to answer questions about your property and identify any home improvements.