Barefoot Appraisal Co.'s appraisal checklist

	Legally, an appraiser must be state licensed to perform appraisals prepared for federally related transactions. Contact us if you have any questions about the appraisal process.

To facilitate the appraisal process, it's recommended to have these documents ready for the appraiser:

• A plot plan or survey of the house and land (if readily available).

• Information on the latest purchase of the property in 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 paperwork, such as a title policy with information on encroachments or easements encroachments or easements.

• Most recent real estate tax bill and or legal description of the property.

• Any inspection reports, or other recent reports for termites, EIFS (synthetic stucco) wall systems, septic systems and your well.

• A list of any major home improvements and upgrades, the amount of their purchase and date of their installation (for example, the addition of central air conditioning or roof repairs) and permit confirmation (if available).

• Locate copies of the current listing agreement, broker's data sheet and, in the event of a pending sale.

• Any "Homeowners Associations" agreements or, if applicable, condo agreements or fees.

• A list of "suggested" 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 can be helpful be present to answer inquiries about your property and identify any home improvements.

Here are a few other helpful tips:

• Accessibility: Appraisers are very detailed in their inspections. Make sure that all areas of the home are accessible, especially the attic and crawl space.

• Housekeeping: Appraisers see quite a few of homes a year and are no strangers to clutter, but they're human beings too! A good impact can translate into a higher value for your home.

• Maintenance: We generally suggest fixing small things like leaky faucets, missing door handles and trim.

• FHA and VA Inspection Items: If your borrower is applying for either an FHA or VA loan, definitely ask your appraiser if there are extra things that should be done before they come. Some items they may recommend might be: having a banister on all stairways, ensuring there are electrical receptacles in every room and that each receptacle functions, repairing any faucets that leak or drip, replacing broken glass.