Pre-Appraisal checklist

There are many things you can do to facilitate the appraisal.  Just give us a call at 785-221-7552 if you have any questions about the appraisal process.

To help the appraisal go as smoothly as possible we generally recommend having these documents, if available, ready for the appraiser:

  • A survey or improvement location certificate of the property and building (if readily available).

  • Any information on the purchase or transfer of the property for the last three years.

  • Information on any written private agreements, such as a shared driveway with a neighbor.

  • Any know easements or encroachments.

  • A list of any personal property that is part of the home and you intend to be sold with the home, such as an oven, or a washer and dryer. Similarly, anything that is attached that will be removed, such as a light fixture or builtin cabinetry.

  • A list of any known issues or problem areas.

  • Home inspection reports, or other recent reports for termites, EIFS (synthetic stucco), septic system, water well, etc.

  • Home improvements and upgrades and date of their installation (for example, the addition of central air conditioning or roof repairs) and permit confirmation (if available).

  • A copy of the current listing agreement, data sheet, seller disclosure, and purchase agreement if a sale is "pending".

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

  • The house plans, if available

  • The deed with the legal description of the property.

  • For manufactured homes, the location of the Certification Label (also called the HUD tag - a metal plate affixed to the outside of the home) and the Data Plate (an 8.5"x11" paper label affixed inside the home). Both are needed to verify the manufacture information. Appraisals for lenders require that these remain in place.   

  • A detailed list of "proposed" improvements if the property is to be appraised "as complete".

When the appraiser has arrived, you do not need to accompany them along on the entire site inspection, but you should be present to answer inquiries about your property and be willing to point out any improvements or issues.

Here are a few other helpful tips:

  • Accessibility: Appraisers are very thorough in their inspections. You should make sure that all areas of the home are accessible, especially the attic and crawl space. The appraiser must be able to completely measure the property.

  • 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 value for your home.

  • Maintenance: We suggest fixing small things like leaky faucets, missing door handles and trim, etc. BEFORE the appraiser arrives.

  • FHA and VA Inspection Items: If the appraisal is for either an FHA or VA loan, we strongly recommend some items be corrected before the appraiser arrives. There must be smoke detectors on every floor of the home. If paint is peeling it should be scraped and repainted and there should be no exposed wood or siding on the outside of the house. Grading around the house should direct water away from the foundation. The property must be safe, sound and secure.

The appraiser needs to see all of the house in order to do an accurate appraisal.