A valuation is as of the date of inspection.  In other words, the appraiser is estimating the sale price as of the day he sees the property.    During the inspection of your property, the appraiser will be gathering relevant information about your home.  Some of the information is mandated by lenders and most of it is relevant to the valuation of your property.  

The appraiser will be measuring your home in order to prepare a floor plan and calculate the gross living area and the size of the garage and outbuildings.  All measurements are taken from the outside of each structure, but the appraiser will also be walking through the interiors as well.  Sheds, barns, guest units, etc,  should be unlocked.  In addition, the appraiser will be taking photographs of the exterior and interior.  Photographs will include the front, rear and sides of the home.  Views, the yard and other features such as barn, shops and in law unit will also be included.  Interior photos include all rooms of the home.  Thus, it is ideal that you home looks its best.   So tidy up the yard, clean and organize your home and turn on all the lights.  You want to present your home as if it is being offered for sale. 

In addition, lenders require that three key safety features be present in your home.  They are smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors and water heater is double strapping.  All of these items are required by state law.  There should be at least one smoke and carbon monoxide detector per story of your home.  The water heater strapping (also known as earthquake strapping) should be metal bands anchored to the wall, one the top and one on the bottom third of your water heater.  Tankless water heaters do not require strapping.  Photographs of these items are required in appraisal reports.

For pet owners, though the appraiser is a dog lover, not all dogs love the appraiser.  So please secure your pet and make sure the yard is "land mind" free.  Thank You.

Please give the appraiser a call if you have any questions.