Some nice hints to speed your appraisal along from REID E. CHOATE & ASSOCIATES, LLC


	Did you know you, as a borrower, are entitled to receive a copy of the final appraisal report from the lender? Just give us a call at 808-965-0238 if you have any questions about the appraisal process.

To make your appraisal process go as smoothly 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.
Information on any written private agreements, such as a shared driveway with a neighbor.
A list of any personal property that is part of the home and you intend to be sold with the home, such as an oven, or a washer and dryer.
Title policy that lists encroachments or easements.
Most recent real estate tax bill and or 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, in the event of a pending sale.
Any "Homeowners Associations" agreements or, if applicable, condo agreements or fees.
A list of "proposed" 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 questions about your property and be willing to point out any home improvements.

Here are a few other tips:

Accessibility: Appraisers are very thorough in their inspections. We recommend that all areas of the home are accessible, especially the attic and crawl space.
Housekeeping: Appraisers see many of homes a year and are no strangers to clutter, but they're human beings too! A good impact can mean a better home value.
Maintenance: We generally recommend repairing small things like leaky faucets, missing door handles and trim.
FHA and VA Inspection Items: If your borrower is trying to apply for either an FHA or VA loan, definitely ask your appraiser if there are additional things that should be done before they arrive. Some items they may recommend might be: having smoke detectors on all levels and especially near bedrooms, removing and touching up where there's paint peeling, eliminating pull-chain lights in areas other than the basement or attic.