Some great hints to save you time on your appraisal from JM Real Estate Group, LLC

	Did you know the borrower is entitled to receive a copy of the final appraisal report from the lender? Contact us if you have any questions about the appraisal process.

To speed up the appraisal process, it's beneficial to have these documents ready for the appraiser:

• A survey or plot map of the property and building (if 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 building.

• 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 energy efficiency upgrades or roof repairs) and permit confirmation (if available).

• Locate 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 covenants or fees.

• A list of "suggested" improvements if the property is to be appraised "as complete".

When the appraiser has arrived, you do not need to accompany them along on the entire site inspection, but can be helpful be present to answer inquiries about your property and identify any home improvements.

Here are a few other helpful suggestions:

• Accessibility: Appraisers are very meticulous in their inspections. 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 impact can translate into a better value for your home.

• Maintenance: We often recommend fixing 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 specific things that should be done before they arrive. Some things they may recommend might be: having smoke detectors on all levels and especially near bedrooms, removing and repainting where there's paint peeling, repairing any faucets that leak or drip, fixing broken windows or other glass like doors.