Scheduling

You or the point of contact on the order (usually one of the real estate agents) will be contacted to schedule an appraisal inspection. Most inspections will be scheduled on weekdays during daylight hours. We may be able to accommodate special scheduling needs, but typically prefer inspections during normal business hours. 

Preparing for the Inspection

You may be surprised to know that you don’t have to do anything at all to prepare for your home to be inspected. We are trained professionals and we will do all we can to ensure you are comfortable. Below are a few helpful tips on what you need to know before your inspection. 

Note: FHA, USDA, and VA loans have specific requirements. Please see below for more info.

1. Communicate recent remodels or updates of your home – It is helpful to know if you’ve replaced any components of your home, completed a remodel, or added square footage. You can always call our office or send us an email detailing these updates. If you are in the middle of renovations/remodeling, please let us know as soon as possible. The lender/client may request that the inspection be delayed until the updates are completed. 
2. Check Safety Equipment – Most lenders request that appraisers note the safety items that a home has such as smoke and CO detectors and water-heater safety features. At a minimum your home should have:
   • working smoke detectors in the immediate vicinity of any sleeping areas and on each level
   • CO detectors on each level if your home has a CO source such as a garage, gas appliances, or wood/gas fireplaces or stoves.
   • Gas-fired tank water heaters should be double-strapped.
     If you have any questions about the requirements for the above safety items, please contact your local jurisdiction for their code requirements.
3. Secure Pets – If you have pets, especially dogs, please notify us when we schedule the appointment. Although we enjoy meeting your furry friends, sometimes they are not pleased to meet us. For everyone’s safety, please secure your pets prior to and/or during the inspection.
4. Marijuana – Plants are legal in the state of Oregon but are not legal federally. Many lenders and title companies have specific requirements for properties used in the growth, production or distribution of marijuana-based products. We are required to disclose to the lender/client the presence of marijuana plants, even plants used for personal use. The lender may require the removal of the plants and repair of any alteration to the electrical and plumbing systems. It is STRONGLY recommended that you communicate with your lender on how this may impact a loan decision.
5. FHA, USDA, & VA – Appraisal inspections for FHA, USDA, or VA loans require observation of the crawlspace and attic of the home. We are not able to move personal items to complete these inspections, so please make sure that access is available prior to the inspection.

Here are some resources if you would like additional information:

FHA Handbook – http://www.fhahandbook.com/appraisal-guidelines.php

VA Appraisals – https://www.veteransunited.com/education/processing/va-appraisal/

At the Inspection

An inspection involves measuring the interior and exterior of the home and other structures on the property. We take multiple digital photographs of both the exterior and interior of the home. Most lenders require photos of nearly every room in the home. We prefer to work independently. We have years of experience in measuring and observing homes and properties. While it may be tempting to try to help with this process it actually becomes more difficult when you do. We want to make sure we are as observant as possible and we don’t want to miss anything!

• Manufactured Homes – We will need to see the HUD certification labels (small metal plates on the exterior of each section) and HUD Data Plate (sticker with pertinent information usually located under the kitchen sink or in utility room cabinet). These provide vital information required to identify the manufactured home components. For FHA/VA loans, the lender may require a foundation certification from a licensed engineer.
• Condominiums – The measurements of the condo unit are usually taken from the interior rather than the exterior. We will need to observe any leased/owned storage, common amenities and/or garage space as well as assigned/owned parking space. We will ask the amount of condo HOA dues, frequency of payment, amenities associated with those dues and existence of any special assessments.