How to Prepare for an Appraisal

An appraisal plays a central role in almost any real estate decision — not just a mortgage transaction, but a sale, an estate settlement, a divorce, or a tax appeal too. Before Richard Weiler arrives, a little preparation goes a long way toward a smooth inspection.

By law, an appraiser must be state-licensed to perform appraisals connected to federally related transactions. And when a lender orders the appraisal, you're entitled to a copy of the completed report from them — though if you've hired Richard directly, your report comes straight from him.

Documents Worth Having Ready

  • A plot plan or survey of the house and land, if readily available
  • Information on the property's most recent purchase within the last three years
  • Written property agreements, such as a shared driveway maintenance agreement
  • A list of personal property being sold with the home
  • A title policy describing any encroachments or easements
  • Your most recent real estate tax bill and/or legal description of the property
  • Home inspection reports, or recent reports on termites, EIFS (synthetic stucco) wall systems, septic systems, or wells
  • A "brag sheet" listing major improvements and upgrades — installation dates, costs, and permit confirmation (central air, a new roof, etc.)
  • A copy of the current listing agreement and broker's data sheet, or the purchase agreement if a sale is pending
  • Information on HOA or condominium covenants and fees
  • A list of proposed improvements, if the property is being appraised "as complete"

During the Inspection

You don't need to accompany Richard through the entire inspection, but it helps to be available to answer questions and point out any improvements you've made.

Accessibility: Make sure every area of the home is reachable, especially the attic and crawl space.
Housekeeping: Appraisers see hundreds of homes a year and look past most clutter — but a tidy home still makes a good impression, and a good impression never hurts.
Maintenance: Fix the small things — leaky faucets, missing door handles and trim — before the appointment.

FHA/VA Loan Appraisals: If your appraisal is tied to an FHA or VA loan, ask Richard ahead of time whether anything specific should be addressed first. Common items include installing smoke detectors on every level (especially near bedrooms), adding handrails on all stairways, repainting any peeling paint, and providing clear access to the attic and crawl space.

Ready to Schedule Your Appraisal?

Richard will walk you through exactly what to expect before he arrives.

Call (727) 331-0829
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At City Wide Appraisal Group, we're committed to providing accurate, reliable, and professional property appraisal services. Whether you need a home valuation, land appraisal, or a specialized appraisal report, we're here to help you make informed decisions with confidence.

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