Preparing Your Home for a Property Appraisal

You’ve sold your home.

Or, you are thinking of refinancing your current mortgage.

One of the things that the lender will require is a property appraisal.  While the actual appraisal inspection make take only an hour or two, the appraiser must go back to the office, do the research and write a 10- to 12-page report.

Here are some tips to help the appraiser with additional information—and in most instances a faster turn-around time to complete the report.

• Compile a list of recent improvements. If possible include “before and after” pictures, copies of paid receipts for work completed. If major updates were made, provide a detailed copy of the bid from the contractor.
• Make sure all areas are accessible, including the attic, basement and crawl spaces. This includes the garage.
• If the home is part of a homeowner’s association, include a copy of the fees paid, and the name and phone number of the association president or executive director.
• Straighten up each room. Appraisers are required to photograph each room, and while it may not make a difference to them if the room is messy, there may be an underwriter who is less objective.
• If there are any unfinished projects, make sure they are completed before the inspection.
• If there are any easements, encroachments or unusual deed restrictions, you may want to provide a copy of the list.

A little help from you goes a long way to make sure that the appraisal report is complete and accurate.

So what other things would you recommend that I add to this list?