Some nice hints to expedite your appraisal from Bradley & Associates

	To appraise a property, an appraiser is legally required to be licensed by the state when it's a federally related transaction. Just give us a call at 6159799537 if you have any questions about the appraisal process.

To aid 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 available).

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

• Written property agreements, such as a maintenance easement for a shared driveway.

• List of personal property to be sold with the building.

• Any documents, 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.

• Home inspection reports, or other recent reports for termites, EIFS (synthetic stucco) wall systems, septic systems and wells.

• Brag sheet that lists major home improvements and upgrades, the amount of their purchase and date of their installation (for example, the addition of insulation or roof repairs) and permit confirmation (if available).

• Find copies of the current listing agreement, broker's data sheet and, in the event of a pending sale.

• Information on "Homeowners Associations" or condominium covenants and fees.

• A list of "suggested" improvements when the property is being 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 available to answer questions about your property and be willing to point out any home improvements.

Here are a few other helpful recommendations:

• Accessibility: Appraisers are very detailed in their inspections. We recommend that all areas of the home are accessible, especially the attic and crawl space.

• Housekeeping: Appraisers see many of homes a year and aren't surprised at seeing a bit of clutter, but they're human beings too! A good impact can mean a better home value.

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

• FHA and VA Inspection Items: In the case of your borrower trying to apply for either an FHA or VA loan, be sure to ask your appraiser if there are extra things that should be done before they come. Some things they may recommend might be: having a banister on all stairways, ensuring there are electrical receptacles in every room (note: GFI outlets are no longer required) and that each outlet functions, fixing leaky or dripping faucets, fixing broken windows or other glass like doors.