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How
to Prepare for an Appraisal
There are several factors that can affect the appraised value of your home,
including whether or not:
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It is well maintained inside and out |
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It is located in a good school district |
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Additions fit well into the existing house |
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Properties throughout the neighborhood are
well maintained |
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It is the largest house on the block
(or the most improved) |
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The style of the house conforms with those in
the neighborhood |
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Zoning changes are expected |
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For those items listed above that you can improve on,
such as maintaining your house (which includes repairing leaky faucets,
painting over spots on the wall, etc.), it is well worth the effort to do so
prior to scheduling the appraisal.
Once you decide to schedule the appraisal, you should try to gather all of
the following documents to present to your appraiser upon his or her
arrival:
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A plot plan or survey of the house and land |
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Your most recent tax bill or a legal
description of the property |
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Copies of any recent home inspection reports, or other recent
reports, such as for termites |
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A copy of your title policy |
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Homeowners Association information and fees |
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Property purchase information for the last
three years |
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All written property agreements that you may
have – such as shared driveway maintenance agreement, etc. |
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A list of personal property that is to be
included in the sell of the home |
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A list of major home improvements (including
date and permit confirmation, if necessary) |
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A copy of the current listing agreement |
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A copy of the broker's data sheet |
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A copy of the Purchase Agreement if a sale is
pending |
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Also prior to the scheduled appraisal, you should also make sure that all
areas of your home are accessible to the appraiser.
Once your appraiser has arrived, you do not need to accompany him or her
along on the entire site inspection, but you should be available to answer
questions about your property and be willing to point out any home
improvements. |