HOW TO PREPARE
FOR AN APPRAISAL

For homeowners, a real estate appraisal is the linchpin to buying or selling their home. It allows the property transactions to occur among the buyer, seller, real estate agent and mortgage lender. To facilitate the appraisal process, it is beneficial to have these documents ready for the appraiser:

• Written property agreements, such as a maintenance agreement for a shared driveway.
• Title policy that describes encroachments or easements.
• Sheet that lists major home improvements/upgrades and permit confirmation.
• Information on "Homeowners Associations" or condominium covenants and fees.
• A list of "Proposed" improvements if the property is to be appraised "As Complete".

Once your appraiser has arrived, you do not need to accompany him or her along on the entire site inspection, but you should be available to answer questions about your property and be willing to point out any home improvements. Here are some other suggestions:

• Accessibility: Make sure that all areas of the home are accessible, especially to the attic and crawl space.
• Housekeeping: Appraisers see hundreds of homes a year and will look past most clutter, but interior photos may be taken to supplement the appraisal