How to Prepare for an Appraisal Inspection

To help the appraisal go as smoothly as possible we generally recommend you take the following actions and prepare the listed documents, if available, for the appraiser.

PLEASE MAKE SURE TO DISCLOSE ANY ISSUES TO US AHEAD OF TIME. WE WILL SEE THE ISSUE EVENTUALLY SO NOT GIVING US ACCURATE INFORMATION OR COMPLETE INFORMATION WILL ONLY DELAY THE PROCESS AND POTENTIALLY RESULT IN ADDITIONAL CHARGES DUE TO AN EXPANDED SCOPE OF WORK.
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EMAIL US A LIST OF IMPROVEMENTS MADE TO THE SUBJECT. PLEASE MAKE SURE THIS IS ONLY FACTUAL DATA. PLEASE DO NOT INCLUDE OPINIONS OR SUGGEST VALUES.
maven@mavenappraisal.com


Checklist:

  • Unlock all padlocks on the property both interior and exterior.
  • Make sure ALL areas of the home are accessible.
  • For vacant homes, verify lock box combination and access keys are accessible, and do not lock the storm door from the inside.
  • Remove locks, furniture, clothing, boxes, or anything that may prevent entry to the attic, crawl spaces, furnace, and water heater. (FHA/VA)
  • Outbuildings such as garages, sheds, pool houses, cabanas, etc. need to be accessible. (FHA/VA)
  • Ensure furnace and water heater are accessible.
  • Confirm heating and air conditioning are operational. (FHA/VA)
  • Ensure home appliances are unloaded such as the dishwasher, washer machine, dryer, etc. and ready to be tested (FHA/VA)
  • Repair small things like leaky faucets, missing door handles, and trim. (Recommendation) (FHA/VA)
  • Repair any defective paint surfaces that expose the exterior of the subject dwelling to the elements (Recommendation) (FHA/VA)
  • Remove items from sight that you do not wish to be photographed. Every room will be photographed. However, we do use our blur feature to cover any personal items, family photos, etc.
  • We measure the exterior of the property first so please leave your pets inside. After the exterior is complete, we photograph and take notes inside (and measure any floors above and/or below ground level). At that point, if you would like to take your pets outside that seems to be the easiest system from our experience.
  • Please make sure someone at least 18 years old is present to let us in or make arrangements prior to the inspection of how we can access the property.


Documents:

  • Information on any written private agreements, such as a shared driveway with a neighbor.
  • Title policy that lists encroachments or easements.
  • 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 enhancements (for example, the addition of central air conditioning or roof repairs). Please include the purchase and installation date, along with permit confirmation if available.
  • If applicable, provide the condominium budget and year-end statement.
Download Checklist