Preparing for an appraisal from Cooney Appraisal Services


	By law, an appraiser must be state licensed to perform appraisals prepared for federally related transactions. Just give us a call at 440-289-2416 if you have any questions about the appraisal process.

To speed the appraisal process along as quickly 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 records on the purchase of the property for the last three years.
Written property agreements, such as a maintenance easement for a shared driveway.
List of personal property to be sold with the home.
Title policy that lists encroachments or easements.
Most recent real estate tax bill and or legal description of the property.
Any inspection reports, or other recent reports for termites, EIFS (synthetic stucco) wall systems, septic systems and wells.
Brag sheet that lists major home improvements and upgrades, the amount of their purchase and date of their installation (for example, the addition of insulation 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".
Information on "Homeowners Associations" or condominium covenants and fees.
A list of "suggested" improvements if the property is to be appraised "as complete".

When the appraiser has arrived, you do not need to accompany him or her along on the entire site inspection, but you should be present to answer inquiries about your property and identify any home improvements.

Here are a few other helpful recommendations:

Accessibility: Appraisers are very detailed in their inspections. 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 are no strangers to clutter, but they're human beings too! A good impression can translate into a better value for your home.
Maintenance: We generally suggest fixing minor things like leaky faucets, missing door handles and trim.
FHA and VA Inspection Items: In the case of your borrower trying to apply 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: having handrails on all stairways, where paint is peeling it should be removed and repainted, eliminating pull-chain lights in areas other than the basement or attic.