Gearing up for an appraisal from Rivers Edge Appraisals & Consulting, Inc.


	By law, you, as a borrower, are are entitled to obtain a copy of the completed appraisal report from the lender. Just give us a call at 2084208680 if you have any questions about the appraisal process.

To help the appraisal go as smoothly as possible we generally recommend to have these documents, if available, ready for the appraiser:

A plot plan or survey of the house and land (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.
List of personal property to be sold with the home.
Any paperwork, 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 enhancements, the amount of their purchase and date of their installation (for example, the addition of energy efficiency upgrades or roof repairs) and permit confirmation (if available).
A copy of the current listing agreement with broker's data sheet and purchase agreement if a sale is "pending".
Information on "Homeowners Associations" or condominium covenants and fees.
A list of "suggested" improvements when the property is being appraised "as complete".

Once your appraiser has arrived, you do not need to escort him or her along on the entire site inspection, but can be helpful be available to answer inquiries about your property and identify any home improvements.

Here are a few other recommendations:

Accessibility: Appraisers are very thorough in their inspections. You should make sure that all areas of the home are accessible, especially the attic and crawl space.
Housekeeping: Appraisers see hundreds of homes a year and aren't surprised at seeing a bit of 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, 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: installing a banister on all stairways, removing and touching up where there's paint peeling, eliminating pull-chain lights in areas other than the basement or attic.