To help the appraisal go as smoothly as possible we generally recommend you take the following actions and prepare the listed documents, if available, for the appraiser.
How to Prepare for an Appraisal
Checklist
- Unlock all padlocks on the property.
- Keep a leash on pets or remove them from the property.
- Make sure all areas of the home are accessible.
- Remove any snow that will prevent access to the property.
- Verify lock box combination and access keys are accessible, and do not lock the storm door from the inside.
- Remove locks, furniture, clothing, boxes, or anything that may prevent entry to the attic, crawl spaces, furnace, and water heater. (FHA/VA)
- Remove unneeded clutter from attic and crawl space so areas are accessible. (FHA/VA)
- Safety equipment in house installed and working properly.
- Replace light bulbs so rooms have adequate lighting.
- Remove photographs of people from every room.
- Outbuildings such as garages, sheds, pool houses, cabanas, etc. need to be accessible. (FHA/VA)
- Ensure furnace and water heater are accessible.
- Confirm heating and air conditioning are operational. (FHA/VA)
- Ensure home appliances are unloaded such as the dishwasher, washer machine, dryer, etc. (FHA/VA)
- Address any exposed wiring in living area and install faceplates covers if missing.
- Repair small things like leaky faucets, missing door handles, and trim. (Recommendation) (FHA/VA)
- Mow your yard and trim your bushes or trees (Recommendation)
- Remove photographs of people from every room. (Underwriter requirement)
Documents
- Unlock all padlocks on the property.
- Keep a leash on pets or remove them from the property.
- Make sure all areas of the home are accessible.
- Remove any snow that will prevent access to the property.
- Verify lock box combination and access keys are accessible, and do not lock the storm door from the inside.
- Remove locks, furniture, clothing, boxes, or anything that may prevent entry to the attic, crawl spaces, furnace, and water heater. (FHA/VA)
- Remove unneeded clutter from attic and crawl space so areas are accessible. (FHA/VA)
- Safety equipment in house installed and working properly.
- Replace light bulbs so rooms have adequate lighting.
- Remove photographs of people from every room.
- Outbuildings such as garages, sheds, pool houses, cabanas, etc. need to be accessible. (FHA/VA)
- Ensure furnace and water heater are accessible.
- Confirm heating and air conditioning are operational. (FHA/VA)
- Ensure home appliances are unloaded such as the dishwasher, washer machine, dryer, etc. (FHA/VA)
- Address any exposed wiring in living area and install faceplates covers if missing.
- Repair small things like leaky faucets, missing door handles, and trim. (Recommendation) (FHA/VA)
- Mow your yard and trim your bushes or trees (Recommendation)
- Remove photographs of people from every room. (Underwriter requirement)