Some helpful hints to save you time on your appraisal from TrueValue I, Inc.

	Did you know you, as a borrower, are entitled to receive a copy of the final appraisal report from the lender? Contact us 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 plot plan or survey of the house and land (if readily available).

• Records 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 home.

• Any documents, such as a title policy with information on encroachments or easements encroachments or easements.

• A bill for your most recent real estate taxes which should also contain a legal description of the property.

• Any inspection reports, or other recent reports for termites, EIFS (synthetic stucco) wall systems, your septic system and your well.

• Brag sheet that lists major home improvements and upgrades, the amount of their purchase and date of their installation (for example, the addition of central air conditioning or roof repairs) and permit confirmation (if available).

• Find 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 arrives, you do not need to escort them along on the entire site inspection, but can be helpful be available to answer inquiries about your property and be willing to point out any home improvements.

Here are a few other helpful recommendations:

• Accessibility: Appraisers are very detailed in their inspections. We recommend that all areas of the home are accessible, especially the attic and crawl space.

• Housekeeping: Appraisers see hundreds of homes a year and will look past most clutter, but they're human beings too! A good impact can translate into a higher home value.

• Maintenance: We generally recommend repairing minor things like leaky faucets, missing door handles and trim.

• FHA and VA Inspection Items: In the case of your borrower 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: putting smoke detectors on all levels and especially near bedrooms, where paint is peeling it should be sanded and repainted, fixing leaky or dripping faucets, fixing broken windows or other glass like doors.