Preparing for Your Appraisal

1. Initial Communication
When we receive your appraisal request, we will contact you via email to confirm the appraisal fee and turnaround time. Once the fee and turnaround time are agreed upon and payment has been received, the appraiser will schedule an appraisal visit. During this time, please update us on any changes to the property. In some cases, the appraiser may request a few photos of the home to better understand the property before the inspection.
2. Preparing for the Appraisal Visit
  • Before your appraiser arrives, there are a few steps you can take to ensure a smooth and efficient process:

  • For Lending: Ensure you have a working Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detector on each level of the home. CO Detectors should be installed near bedrooms. Additionally, confirm that your water heater is securely double-strapped with earthquake straps.
  • Ensure the appraiser has access to all rooms, closets, and outbuildings on the property. The appraiser is required to take photos of all areas.
  • If the appraisal is for an FHA Loan, ensure that attic and crawlspace areas are accessible. If the attic access is taller than 9 feet, please inform the appraiser beforehand.
  • If you have pets, please clean up any droppings in the yard.
  • While cleaning is not required, a tidy environment is helpful for the appraiser during the inspection.
3. Your Appraiser Arrives
Your appraiser will arrive at the scheduled time for the inspection. Upon arrival, the appraiser will greet you and provide a business card. Please allow a 10-minute window for appraisers to arrive. If the appraiser is running more than 10 minutes early or late, they will contact you. Helpful tip: Turning on all lights in the house can help the appraiser during the inspection.
4. The Appraisal Inspection
The appraisal inspection typically takes 30-45 minutes. During the inspection, the appraiser will sketch the home and outbuildings, take photos, and make notes on the property's finishes and condition. Photos will be taken of all rooms in the home, including closets. The appraiser will also photograph the interior and exterior of any outbuildings, so please ensure all outbuildings are unlocked and accessible. The Fair Housing Act requires that no people appear in any of the photos. You can remain in the house, but people may need to step out of rooms to avoid being in the photos. Once the inspection is complete, the appraiser will ask any additional questions at that time. While the appraiser conducts the inspection, it is best if they work independently; however, if you'd like to accompany them, you are welcome to—just please limit conversations to allow for accurate note-taking and measurements.
5. Recieve Report
After the appraisal inspection, the final appraisal report will typically be delivered via email or directly to your lender within 48 hours of the inspection. If you have any questions regarding the appraisal report once received, you can contact the appraiser (for private appraisals) or your agent/lender (for loans)