Gearing up for an appraisal from Reliant Appraisals

	Did you know you, as a borrower, are entitled to receive a copy of the finished appraisal report from the lender? Contact us 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 survey or plot map of the property and building (if available).

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

• Information on any written private easements, such as a shared driveway with a neighbor.

• A list of any personal property that will be left behind and sold with the home, such as an oven, or a washer and dryer.

• Any documents, 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.

• Any 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 upgrades, 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.

• Information on "Homeowners Associations" or condominium covenants and fees.

• A list of "proposed" improvements if the property is to be appraised "as complete".

When the appraiser has arrived, you do not need to escort him or her along on the entire site inspection, but generally you'll want to be available to answer inquiries about your property and identify any home improvements.

Here are a few other helpful suggestions:

• Accessibility: Appraisers are very meticulous in their inspections. We recommend 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 impact can mean a higher home value.

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

• FHA and VA Inspection Items: If your borrower is trying to apply for either an FHA or VA loan, definitely ask your appraiser if there are specific things that should be done before they come. Some things they may recommend might be: having smoke detectors on all levels and especially near bedrooms, ensuring there are electrical receptacles in every room and that each outlet functions, repairing any faucets that leak or drip, replacing broken glass.