How do I get ready for an appraisal visit?
Knowing that an on-site evaluation is a necessary step in receiving an accurate property appraisal, you may be worried about what to expect. A visit from an appraiser isn’t the same as a property inspection or a visit from a potential buyer. Your appraiser will look at the overall condition of your property, measure the dimensions of your home (possibly inside and out) and other buildings, and make notes about existing features.
Your appraiser will take notes and pictures of areas or items that are in much better or worse repair than the rest of your home’s improvements, but will not provide you with a list of items that need repair. The appraiser is assessing those areas to be able to accurately determine the condition of the property. The appraiser will not usually inspect the roof up close, but might ask questions about it and make a general observation from the ground, as well as take photos of any trouble areas that can be seen from the ground. The appraiser will also take a close look at the exterior condition of your home, noting any chipped or peeling paint or issues with any windows or exterior doors.
Despite common misconceptions, an on-site evaluation of your property is not the same as “the appraisal,” but the in-person visit is a necessary part of the data collection process. “The appraisal” is your final printed report, which contains data gathered during the visit along with a wide array of market data, analysis, and reconciliation of comparable sales.
So what does your appraiser need from you, and how can you make the appraisal visit as smooth as possible?
1. Be on time, and hold your scheduled appraisal appointment. Your appraisal can’t begin without an on-site visit.
2. Provide accurate information on how your appraiser can enter the home, especially if you’re not currently residing there.
3. Provide details about special property features before the appraisal visit, such as Accessory Dwelling Units (aka rental units, apartments, AirBnBs), unique outbuildings, recent remodels, and solar installations.
4. As much as possible, clear clutter. Your appraiser will photograph each room in your home, and features are more easily seen when clutter is minimized.
5. Be ready to showcase your pets! We love animals. But be sure to let your appraiser know if pets should not be let outside, or into certain areas of your home.
6. Have a list ready to show any recent updates or upgrades that you’ve completed on your home.
White House Appraisals looks forward to providing you with a professional property evaluation. Contact us today to answer your questions, and let us know how we can serve you!
