Some useful hints to speed your appraisal along from Central Arizona Real Estate Appraisers

	To appraise a property, an appraiser is required to be licensed by the state when it's a federally related transaction. Contact us if you have any questions about the appraisal process.

To simplify 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).

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

• Information on any written private easements, 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.

• 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, your septic system and your well.

• Brag sheet that lists major home improvements and upgrades, the date of their installation and their cost (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".

• Any "Homeowners Associations" agreements or, if applicable, condo covenants 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 generally you'll want to be present to answer inquiries about your property and be willing to point out any home improvements.

Here are some other helpful tips:

• Accessibility: Appraisers are very meticulous 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 are no strangers to clutter, but they're human beings too! A good impression can mean a better value for your home.

• Maintenance: We generally recommend repairing minor 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, be sure to ask your appraiser if there are specific things that should be done before they arrive. Some items they may recommend might be: installing a banister on all stairways, ensuring there are electrical receptacles in every room and that each receptacle works, eliminating pull-chain lights in areas other than the basement or attic.