Gearing up for an appraisal from TC Appraisal


	Did you know you, as a borrower, are entitled to receive a copy of the finished appraisal report from the lender? Just give us a call at (310) 437-5350 if you have any questions about the appraisal process.

To help the appraisal go as smoothly 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 readily available).
Any information 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.
Any paperwork, such as a title policy with information on encroachments or easements encroachments or easements.
A bill for your most recent real estate taxes which should also contain a 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 date of their installation and their cost (for example, the addition of central air conditioning 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".
Any "Homeowners Associations" agreements or, if applicable, condo agreements or fees.
A list of "proposed" improvements when the property is being appraised "as complete".

Once your appraiser arrives, 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 inquiries about your property and identify any home improvements.

Here are some other helpful suggestions:

Accessibility: Appraisers are very thorough in their inspections. Make sure that all areas of the home are accessible, especially the attic and crawl space.
Housekeeping: Appraisers see hundreds of homes a year and are no strangers to clutter, but they're human beings too! A good impression can mean a higher home value.
Maintenance: We generally recommend fixing minor things like leaky faucets, missing door handles and trim.
FHA and VA Inspection Items: In the case of your borrower applying for either an FHA or VA loan, we strongly recommend to ask your appraiser if there are additional things that should be done before they arrive. Some things they may recommend might be: having a banister on all stairways, removing and repainting where there's paint peeling, repairing any faucets that leak or drip, fixing broken windows or other glass like doors.