Fuller Partners Appraisals, LLC's appraisal checklist

Legally, an appraiser must be licensed by the state to perform appraisals prepared for federally related transactions. Just give us a call at 6155870260 if you have any questions about the appraisal process.

To aid the appraisal process, it's beneficial to have these documents ready for the appraiser:

  • A survey or plot map of the property and building (if readily available).

  • Records on the latest purchase of the property in the last three years.

  • Written property agreements, such as a maintenance easement for a shared driveway.

  • List of personal property to be sold with the building.

  • 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 your well.

  • Brag sheet that lists major home improvements and upgrades, the amount of their purchase and date of their installation (for example, the addition of energy efficiency upgrades 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 "suggested" improvements if the property is to be appraised "as complete".

When the appraiser arrives, you do not need to accompany him or her along on the entire site inspection, but you should be present to answer inquiries about your property and be willing to point out any home improvements.

Here are a few other helpful suggestions:

  • Accessibility: Appraisers are very thorough in their inspections. Make sure that all areas of the home are accessible, especially the attic and crawl space.

  • Housekeeping: Appraisers see a lot of homes a year and will look past most clutter, but they're human beings too! A good impression can mean a higher home value.

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

  • FHA and VA Inspection Items: In the case of your borrower trying to apply for either an FHA or VA loan, definitely ask your appraiser if there are additional things that should be done before they come. Some items they may recommend might be: installing a banister on all stairways, where paint is peeling it should be scraped and repainted, repairing any faucets that leak or drip, replacing broken glass.