Some useful tips to speed your appraisal along from Anderson Appraisal Service

	By law, an appraiser must be licensed by the state to perform appraisals prepared for federally related transactions. 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 readily available).

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

• Written property agreements, such as a maintenance easement for a shared driveway.

• 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.

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

• Brag sheet that lists 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).

• 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 "suggested" improvements when the property is being appraised "as complete".

When the appraiser has arrived, you do not need to accompany him or her along on the entire site inspection, but you should be available to answer questions about your property and be willing to point out any home improvements.

Here are some other suggestions:

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

• Housekeeping: Appraisers see a lot of homes a year and will look past most clutter, but they're human beings too! A good impression can translate into a better home value.

• Maintenance: We often suggest fixing minor 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, we strongly recommend to ask your appraiser if there are extra things that should be done before they arrive. Some items they may recommend might be: having a banister on all stairways, ensuring there are electrical receptacles in every room (note: GFI outlets are no longer required) and that each outlet functions, fixing leaky or dripping faucets, replacing broken glass.