Some helpful hints to save you time on your appraisal from Tony Myers Appraisals

	Did you know you, as a borrower, are entitled to receive a copy of the finished appraisal report from the lender? Contact us if you have any questions about the appraisal process.

To make your appraisal process go as smoothly as possible we generally recommend to have these documents, if available, 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 easements, 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.

• Title policy that describes encroachments or easements.

• A bill for your most recent real estate taxes which should also contain a legal description of the property.

• Home inspection reports, or other recent reports for termites, EIFS (synthetic stucco) wall systems, your septic system and wells.

• Brag sheet that lists major home improvements and upgrades, the date of their installation and their cost (for example, the addition of energy efficiency upgrades or roof repairs) and permit confirmation (if available).

• Find copies of the current listing agreement, broker's data sheet and, in the event of a pending sale.

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

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

When the appraiser arrives, you do not need to escort them along on the entire site inspection, but generally you'll want to be present to answer inquiries about your property and identify any home improvements.

Here are some other suggestions:

• Accessibility: Appraisers are very meticulous in their inspections. 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 will look past most clutter, but they're human beings too! A good impact can mean a better home value.

• Maintenance: We often recommend fixing minor things like leaky faucets, missing door handles and trim.

• FHA and VA Inspection Items: If your borrower is applying for either an FHA or VA loan, we strongly recommend to ask your appraiser if there are additional things that should be done before they arrive. Some things they may recommend might be: having a banister on all stairways, ensuring there are electrical receptacles in every room (note: GFI outlets are no longer required) and that each outlet functions, repairing any faucets that leak or drip, fixing broken windows or other glass like doors.