Some helpful tips to expedite your appraisal from ZREC, LLC

Did you know the borrower is entitled to receive a copy of the completed appraisal report from the lender? Contact us if you have any questions about the appraisal process.

To speed up the appraisal process, it's recommended to have these documents ready for the appraiser:

  • A plot plan or survey of the house and land (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 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, septic systems and your well.

  • A list of any major home improvements and upgrades, the date of their installation and their cost (for example, the addition of central air conditioning or roof repairs) and permit confirmation (if available).

  • Locate copies of the current listing agreement, broker's data sheet and, if the sale is "pending", the purchase agreement.

  • Information on "Homeowners Associations" or condominium covenants and fees.

  • A list of "proposed" improvements if the property is to be 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 available to answer inquiries about your property and be willing to point out any home improvements.

Here are a few other tips:

  • Accessibility: Appraisers are very meticulous in their inspections. Make sure that all areas of the home are accessible, especially the attic and crawl space.

  • Housekeeping: Appraisers see a lot of homes a year and are no strangers to clutter, but they're human beings too! A good impact can mean a higher home value.

  • Maintenance: We generally recommend fixing small 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 extra things that should be done before they come. Some things they may recommend might be: installing smoke detectors on every floor of the home and especially near bedrooms, where paint is peeling it should be sanded and repainted, eliminating pull-chain lights in areas other than the basement or attic.