How to Prepare for an Appraisal

Worried about your inspection?  Relax... so is everyone.  We look at a house as if it's vacant, seeing past personal property to observe the core components like paint and flooring.  However, the way a house is presented can be an indicator of the overall level of maintenance and care given to a property.  So don't repaint, but it never hurts to tidy up.


 


If your appraisal is for a mortgage transaction, lenders have certain inspection requirements that must be adhered to for the loan to close.  All FNMA lenders require that appraisers see and take pictures inside every room, all the way around the house and any outbuildings sometimes in attic and crawl spaces.  In California, a home must be compliant with state regulations pertaining to smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and water heater (see below).

To help the appraisal go as smoothly as possible we generally recommend you take the following actions:

Checklist:

  • Unlock all doors and padlocks on the property.
  • Make sure all areas are accessible, including outbuildings like garages, shops, barns, guest house.
  • Keep pets contained
  • Make sure attic and crawl space areas are accessible. (FHA/VA)
  • Safety equipment in house installed and work.
  • Ensure furnace and water heater are accessible.
  • Confirm heating and air conditioning are operational. (FHA/VA)
  • Address any exposed wiring in living area and install faceplate covers if missing.
  • Repair small things like leaky faucets or toilets. (Recommendation) (FHA./VA)

Your lender will likely require us to check that you are compliant with three California state laws:
  • Conventional water heaters must be double, or, earthquake strapped.
  • Smoke detectors must be installed in every bedroom (with a closet) and outside the bedroom areas
  • CO (carbon monoxide) detectors must be installed near the kitchen/living area and outside each bedroom area, with a minimum of one on each floor including basements.