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Appraisal prep checklist

Print this page. Everything on it either speeds up your appraisal or protects your number; nothing on it is busywork. The full reasoning is in the preparation guide — this is the do-it version.

Gather into one folder

[ ] Improvement list — what was done, when, roughly what it cost (roof, A/C, re-pipe,

electrical panel, impact windows, kitchen, baths, flooring, pool equipment, seawall, dock)

[ ] Permits for any of the above — an unverifiable permit may be treated as no permit
[ ] Survey, if you have one (matters most on acreage, waterfront, irregular lots)
[ ] Recent inspection report, wind mitigation, or four-point, if any exist
[ ] Condo/HOA: the resale package — budget, reserves, current assessments, and the

milestone inspection / SIRS status if the building is 25+ years old

[ ] Prior appraisal, if you have one and want to share it (optional)
[ ] For a retrospective assignment (estate, divorce, bankruptcy): photos, listing history,

invoices and records from around the effective date — the condition then is what counts

Do before the appointment

[ ] Confirm access to every room — including any locked room, garage, shed and gate code
[ ] Clear the way to the electrical panel, water heater and attic access
[ ] Secure pets so the back yard and all four exterior sides can be walked
[ ] Tidy to the point where condition is visible — that is the whole standard
[ ] Fix nothing cosmetic on the morning of; it changes nothing

Know before they arrive

[ ] Which county records are wrong about your house, if any — square footage, bed/bath

count, a feature you don't have. Say so; errors there feed every automated valuation too

[ ] What is not visible: re-pipe, new drainfield, French drain, upgraded well, dock permit
[ ] Your deadline, and who the report needs to go to

Say / don't say

[ ] Do hand over the folder and point out what's easy to miss
[ ] Do mention anything unpermitted before it's discovered
[ ] Don't name a target number — the appraiser may have to disclose it, and it can make

the report unusable to your lender

[ ] Don't follow the appraiser room to room; be findable for questions

Bring questions to 561-853-2129. Matt Thoren, State-Certified Residential Appraiser. Residential only — Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie and Broward counties.