FIVE STAR APPRAISALS, LLC.'s appraisal checklist


	By law, the borrower is are entitled to receive a copy of the final appraisal report from the lender. Just give us a call at 330-558-0990 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 plot plan or survey of the house and land (if available).
Any records on the purchase of the property for the last three years.
Information on any written private agreements, such as a shared driveway with a neighbor.
List of personal property to be sold with the building.
Any paperwork, such as a title policy with information on encroachments or easements 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, septic systems 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).
Find 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".

Once your appraiser arrives, you do not need to escort 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 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 many of homes a year and will look past most clutter, but they're human beings too! A good impression can translate into a better value for your home.
Maintenance: We often suggest repairing small 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, we strongly recommend to ask your appraiser if there are specific things that should be done before they arrive. Some items they may recommend might be: installing a banister on all stairways, where paint is peeling it should be removed and repainted, fixing leaky or dripping faucets, fixing broken windows or other glass like doors.