Preparing for an appraisal from Fritz Home Appraisals Inc.

By law, the borrower is are entitled to obtain a copy of the completed appraisal report from the lender. Contact us if you have any questions about the appraisal process.

To speed the appraisal process along as quickly as possible we generally recommend to have these documents, if available, ready for the appraiser:

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

  • Any information 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 home.

  • 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.

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

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

Once your appraiser has arrived, you do not need to escort 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 some other helpful tips:

  • 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 aren't surprised at seeing a bit of clutter, but they're human beings too! A good impression can translate into a better value for your home.

  • Maintenance: We generally recommend repairing minor 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, be sure to ask your appraiser if there are extra things that should be done before they arrive. Some things they may recommend might be: installing handrails on all stairways, where paint is peeling it should be sanded and repainted, repairing any faucets that leak or drip, replacing broken glass.