Some helpful hints to speed your appraisal along from Ralph Martin & Associates, Inc.


	Did you know you, as a borrower, are entitled to receive a copy of the finished appraisal report from the lender? Just give us a call at (305) 823-6984 if you have any questions about the appraisal process.

To speed the appraisal process along as quickly 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 readily available).
Information 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 home.
Title policy that lists 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 insulation 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 agreements or fees.
A list of "proposed" improvements if the property is to be appraised "as complete".

When the appraiser arrives, you do not need to accompany them along on the entire site inspection, but you should be available to answer questions about your property and be willing to point out any home improvements.

Here are a few other recommendations:

Accessibility: Appraisers are very thorough in their inspections. You should 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 aren't surprised at seeing a bit of clutter, but they're human beings too! A good impact can mean a better home value.
Maintenance: We often recommend fixing small 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 specific things that should be done before they come. Some items they may recommend might be: installing handrails on all stairways, ensuring there are electrical receptacles in every room and that each outlet functions, repairing any faucets that leak or drip, replacing broken glass.