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Preparing for an appraisal from ATB Appraisals, Inc.

To appraise a property, an appraiser needs to be licensed by the state when it's a federally related transaction. Contact us if you have any questions about the appraisal process.

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

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

  • Records on the latest purchase of the property in 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.

  • 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.

  • A list of any 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).

  • 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 covenants 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 is usually helpful be present to answer inquiries about your property and be willing to point out any home improvements.

Here are some other helpful suggestions:

  • Accessibility: Appraisers are very detailed in their inspections. You should 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 recommend fixing minor 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, be sure to ask your appraiser if there are extra things that should be done before they arrive. Some things they may recommend might be: having handrails on all stairways, ensuring there are electrical receptacles in every room and that each receptacle works, eliminating pull-chain lights in areas other than the basement or attic.