Quick Tips

QUICK TIPS FOR A SMOOTHER APPRAISAL PROCESS

1. Be transparent: Provide accurate and complete information about the property being appraised. Appraisers rely on accurate data to assess value.
2. Make a list of improvements: Create a list of all the improvements or renovations you have made to the property, including year completed and costs (if available) or the total cost to complete. This helps the appraiser understand the added value. It is critical to provide us with any other information you want us to consider before the actual inspection.
3. Prepare the property: Declutter the property before the appraiser arrives. You do not have to have the property in impeccable order, however, make sure the appraiser can see flooring, kitchen and bath improvements, etc. and have the ability to walk around and have access to each room and storage area in the house.  
4. Restrain pets: We love your pets however they can be a big distraction during the appraisal. It would be best if you put them in one room when the appraiser arrives and once when the exterior inspection is complete either let them go outside or inform the appraiser where they are, so that room can be inspected last, so you can move them to another area that has already been inspected. 
5. Highlight unique features: Point out any unique or standout features of the property that might enhance its value. This could include recent upgrades, energy-efficient elements, or desirable amenities. Feel free to provide any specifics about other similar homes in the area which you are personally aware of and can support. 
6. Provide relevant documents: Gather important documents such as floor plans (especially important for custom homes or homes for which the floor plans are not available through the county), surveys, information about any additions which might not have been recorded in the county and affect the GLA, casita and other exterior features, and recent inspection reports. These documents can provide valuable information to the appraiser.
7. Share recent sales: If you are aware of comparable sales in the area, provide this information to the appraiser. It can assist them in determining the property’s market value.
8. Communicate with the appraiser: Respond to questions quickly and provide insights about the property, so that the appraiser has all the required information and prevent delays in finalizing the appraisal report. 
9. Be realistic about value: Have reasonable expectations about the appraisal value. Appraisers use objective data and professional judgment, so it’s important to understand that the value may not always align with personal expectations.
10. Cost does not equal value: It is a common belief between homeowners and even realtors that the home value would increase due to cost spend to finish an improvement, however, this is a misconception. The value of a property is determined by the price a market participant is willing to pay. If an owner decided to spend $80,000 o a new pool, it does not necessarily mean that the house value increased by $80,000, in most cases, the contributory value of the improvement will be less than the cost of that improvement. 
11. Understand the process: Ask the appraiser about their methodology and approach to the appraisal. Understanding the process can help you better interpret the final appraisal report.
12. Communicate your concerns: If you have specific concerns or factors that you believe may affect the property’s value, communicate them to the appraiser. They can consider these factors during their assessment.