What can I expect during the appraisal process?
Before the Inspection
- No need to clean. The appraiser looks at the structure, not the mess.
- You can choose to be there, or not. Just make sure you leave things unlocked.
- Leave it open. All rooms must be accessible to the appraiser.
- 20-30 minutes is the average inspection time.
Provide your Documents
- Lists of repairs or upgrades made (no receipts needed).
- Known maintenance needed.
- Water rights numbers, ownership records, etc.
During the Inspection
- Exterior first. The appraiser takes photos and measures your buildings.
- Make sure all gates and sheds are unlocked and accessible.
- Interior next. The appraiser takes photos and inspects each room.
- Have info ready. Be honest with the appraiser and feel free to ask questions.
About Exterior Inspections
- Features such as landscaping, pools, fencing, views are photographed and noted.
- Adverse site features such as inadequate drainage, environmental issues, or exterior influences are noted.
About Interior Inspections
- Value excludes personal property (messy floors, BBQs, appliances not included in sale, etc).
- Appraiser will map the rooms, take photos and note features of the home.
- Family and pets should be ready for appraiser to enter each room.
- Appraiser will noted needed maintenance (holes, roof leaks, settlement, safety problems).
FHA/USDA/VA Appraisals
- These appraisals are concerned with health, safety, and property condition. Additional items are inspected.
- Attic and crawl space, utilities are functioning, adequate egress from bedrooms, etc.
- Common deficiencies are peeling paint, standing water, inoperable HVAC, or poor drainage.
After the Inspection
- The inspection is the very beginning of the appraisal process.
- The appraiser won’t know the value of your home during the inspection.
- Your report will be given to your lender (or whoever the client is), so ask lender for a copy.
- If you have questions, first ask your lender who can then call the appraiser.
About the Appraisal
- Reports will be released only after full payment is received by all parties.
- Appraisals are made using the information available during the effective date of the appraisal.
- If you have information you’d like considered, ask your lender or appraiser.