A real estate appraisal is a key factor for homeowners who are buying or selling a home, or for those who are refinancing. A good appraisal is necessary to have a property transfer between a buyer and seller, and is considered an essential part of the home buying process by real estate agents and mortgage lenders.  To facilitate the appraisal process, it is beneficial to have the following documents ready for our appraisers when they come to appraise your property:

• A survey or plot plan of the house and lot and/or acreage, as well as blueprints of the house if available
• Information on any transfers of the property in the last three years
• Written property agreements, such as a maintenance agreement for a shared driveway, private lane or access to a lake
• A title policy that describes encroachments or easements
• Most recent real estate tax bill and or legal description of the property
• Information on "Homeowners Associations" or condominium covenants and fees.
• Home inspection reports, or other recent reports for termites, septic systems or wells.
• Information sheet that lists major home improvements and upgrades, the date of their installation and their cost (for example, the addition of central air conditioning, replacement windows or roof repairs).
• The location of HUD data plate and serial numbers if you have a manufactured home.
• A copy of the current listing agreement and broker's data sheet and Purchase Agreement if a sale is "pending".
• A list of any personal property to be sold with the home (for example, appliances, hot tubs, sheds, etc.). 
• A list of "Proposed" improvements with costs if the property is to be appraised "Subject to Repairs or Completion".

You do not need to accompany the appraiser for the entire site inspection, but are more than welcome to do so if you desire.  You should also be available to answer questions about your property and be willing to point out any home improvements.

 Here are some other suggestions, especially if you want to, or are, selling your property:

• Accessibility: Make sure that all areas of the home are accessible, especially the attic, crawl space and mechanical areas.  Garages, storage areas, closets, basements, etc. all must also be viewed by the appraiser.  Also make sure that all rooms can be entered by the appraiser. For example, if some family members work nights and sleep days, arrangements will need to be made for the appraiser to view all rooms. 
• Housekeeping: Appraisers see hundreds of homes a year and will look past most clutter; however, an uncluttered house creates a good impression that could translate into a higher home value. Keep in mind the appraiser is often required to take interior and exterior photographs of your house.  Typical interior photos include the kitchen, bath and main living area.
• Maintenance: Repair minor things like leaky faucets, missing door handles and trim.  Normally, you should not try to get an appraisal if you are in the middle of remodeling your house.  The exception is when you want an appraisal done subject to the completion of repairs or alterations.  A reasonable report can still be completed under these circumstances; however, if you are trying to refinance your house, the individual with whom you are getting your loan needs to be fully aware of its current condition. 
• FHA/VA Inspection Items: If a house is selling with a FHA/VA loan, be sure to ask your appraiser if there are specific things that should be done before they come. Some items they may recommend might be: Installation of smoke detectors on all levels (especially near all bedrooms); installation of handrails on all stairways and on any set of steps with three or more risers; removal of cracked or peeling paint and repainting the area.  Inspections by other professionals will also be required for wood destroying insects, well and septic systems, and could be required for roof and mechanicals.  Access to attics and crawlspaces is required for these types of appraisals.