Shell PAS Enterprises, LLC's appraisal to-do list

Legally, an appraiser must be state licensed to perform appraisals prepared for federally related transactions. Just give us a call at (281) 501-2992 if you have any questions about the appraisal process.

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

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

  • Title policy that lists 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 your well.

  • Brag sheet that lists major home improvements and enhancements, the amount of their purchase and date of their installation (for example, the addition of energy efficiency upgrades 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".

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

  • A list of "proposed" improvements when the property is being appraised "as complete".

Once your appraiser arrives, you do not need to accompany him or her along on the entire site inspection, but you should be present to answer questions about your property and identify any home improvements.

Here are a few other helpful suggestions:

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

  • Housekeeping: Appraisers see quite a few of homes a year and will look past most clutter, but they're human beings too! A good impact can mean a higher home value.

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

  • FHA and VA Inspection Items: If your borrower is applying for either an FHA or VA loan, be sure to ask your appraiser if there are additional things that should be done before they come. Some items they may recommend might be: having smoke detectors on every floor of the home and especially near bedrooms, ensuring there are electrical receptacles in every room (note: GFI outlets are no longer required) and that each receptacle works, eliminating pull-chain lights in areas other than the basement or attic.