For property owners, a real estate appraisal is the linchpin to buying or selling their property. It allows the property transactions to occur among the buyer, seller, real estate agent and mortgage lender.

Before an Appraiser arrives, there are a few things you should know. By law, an appraiser must be state licensed or certified to perform appraisals prepared for federally related transactions. Also by law, you are entitled to receive a copy of the completed appraisal report from your lender, NOT the appraiser.

To facilitate the appraisal process, it's beneficial to have these documents ready for the appraiser:

• A plot plan or survey of the property and land (if readily available)
• Information on the latest purchase of the property in the last three years
• Written property agreements, such as a maintenance agreement for a shared driveway
• List of personal property to be sold with the property
• Title policy that describes encroachments or easements
• Most recent real estate tax bill and or legal description of the property
• Building inspection reports, or other recent reports for termites, EIFS (synthetic stucco) wall systems, septic systems and wells
• Brag sheet that lists major building 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)
• A copy of the current listing agreement and broker's data sheet and Purchase Agreement if a sale is "pending."
• Information on "Owners Associations" or condominium covenants and fees.
• A list of "Proposed" improvements if the property is to be appraised "As Completed."

• Accessibility: Make sure that all areas of the building are accessible, especially to the attic and crawl space.
• Housekeeping: Appraisers see hundreds of buildings a year and will look past most clutter, but they're human beings too! A good impression can translate into a higher property value.

• Maintenance: Repair minor things like leaky faucets, missing door handles and trim Safety/Condition Inspection Items: Some items they may recommend might be: install handrails on all stairways; remove peeling paint and repaint the affected area; provide inspection access to the attic and crawl spaces.

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