Some nice tips to speed your appraisal along from Heights Appraisals, Inc.

By law, an appraiser must be licensed by the state to perform appraisals prepared for federally related transactions. Just give us a call at (941) 926-0705 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 plot plan or survey of the house and land (if 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 is part of the home and you intend to be 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.

  • A bill for your most recent real estate taxes which should also contain a legal description of the property.

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

  • A list of any major home improvements and enhancements, the amount of their purchase and date of their installation (for example, the addition of insulation 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 "proposed" 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 present to answer questions about your property and be willing to point out 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 many of homes a year and will look past most clutter, but they're human beings too! A good impression can mean a better value for your home.

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