Scheller and Associates, Inc. 's appraisal checklist

	Legally, an appraiser must be state licensed to perform appraisals prepared for federally related transactions. Just give us a call at 8124532046 if you have any questions about the appraisal process.

To help the appraisal go as smoothly as possible we generally recommend to have these documents, if available, ready for the appraiser:

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

• Any information on the purchase of the property for the last three years.

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

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

• Any documents, such as a title policy with information on encroachments or easements encroachments or easements.

• Most recent real estate tax bill and or legal description of the property.

• Any 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 enhancements, the date of their installation and their cost (for example, the addition of energy efficiency upgrades or roof repairs) and permit confirmation (if available).

• Locate copies of the current listing agreement, broker's data sheet and, if the sale is "pending", the purchase agreement.

• Any "Homeowners Associations" agreements or, if applicable, condo covenants or fees.

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

Once your appraiser has arrived, you do not need to accompany him or her along on the entire site inspection, but is usually helpful be available to answer questions about your property and be willing to point out any home improvements.

Here are some other helpful tips:

• 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 impact can translate into a higher value for your home.

• Maintenance: We generally suggest repairing minor things like leaky faucets, missing door handles and trim.

• FHA and VA Inspection Items: In the case of your borrower applying for either an FHA or VA loan, definitely ask your appraiser if there are extra things that should be done before they arrive. Some things they may recommend might be: installing a banister on all stairways, ensuring there are electrical receptacles in every room (note: GFI outlets are no longer required) and that each receptacle works, fixing leaky or dripping faucets, fixing broken windows or other glass like doors.