Jersey Capital Appraisal Service's appraisal checklist


	To appraise a property, an appraiser is required to be licensed by the state when it's a federally related transaction. Just give us a call at 609-268-1719 if you have any questions about the appraisal process.

To make your appraisal process 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.
Written property agreements, such as a maintenance easement for a shared driveway.
A list of any personal property that is part of the home and you intend to be sold with the home, such as an oven, or a washer and dryer.
Any documents, 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 upgrades, 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".
Any "Homeowners Associations" agreements or, if applicable, condo agreements or fees.
A list of "suggested" improvements if the property is to be appraised "as complete".

Once your appraiser has arrived, you do not need to accompany them along on the entire site inspection, but generally you'll want to be available to answer questions about your property and be willing to point out any home improvements.

Here are a few other recommendations:

Accessibility: Appraisers are very detailed in their inspections. You should 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 impression can mean 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 applying for either an FHA or VA loan, definitely ask your appraiser if there are specific things that should be done before they arrive. Some items they may recommend might be: having a banister on all stairways, 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.