Receive Assistance from a Top Appraiser in Taylor, MI

Every home is unique, which is why you need an appraiser to help you determine its value. Marty Kaltenbach is ready to assist you whether you are preparing to sell your house or split it during a divorce. For over 40 years, he has been providing valuable advice to the residents of Taylor, MI. Get the most accurate results by calling him today. 

What to Prepare Before Hiring a Professional Appraiser for Your Property: A Comprehensive Guide

Hiring a professional appraiser is a crucial step in determining the fair market value of a property. Whether you’re dealing with a probate-appraisal, divorce-appraisal, bankruptcy-appraisal, or a mortgage-appraisal, being well-prepared can ensure the appraisal process goes smoothly and accurately. The appraiser’s job is to provide an unbiased assessment of your property’s value, but your preparation helps them do that effectively. Here’s what you need to get ready before contacting an appraiser for a property-appraisal.

1. Understand the Purpose of the Appraisal

Before hiring a professional, know why you need the appraisal. Appraisals serve different purposes:

• A probate-appraisal assesses the value of property for estate settlement.
• A divorce-appraisal helps divide property fairly between spouses.
• A bankruptcy-appraisal supports financial disclosure and liquidation planning.
• A mortgage-appraisal is used by lenders to ensure the loan amount matches the home’s value.
• A pre-listing-appraisal helps sellers determine a fair asking price.

Clarifying your reason will help you hire an appraiser with the right experience and qualifications.

2. Organize Ownership and Legal Documents

Appraisers need to verify that you’re the property owner or authorized to request an appraisal. Before scheduling the visit, gather relevant legal documents:

• Property deed
• Mortgage statements
• Homeowners’ association agreements (if applicable)
• Court orders (in the case of divorce-appraisal or probate-appraisal)
• Bankruptcy case numbers (if related to bankruptcy-appraisal)

These documents ensure transparency and make the appraisal process legally compliant.

3. Prepare a List of Home Improvements and Renovations

For appraisals like residential-property-appraisal, new-construction-appraisal, or investment-property-appraisal, it’s essential to show the full scope of any renovations or upgrades. Prepare a list with:

• Dates and details of each renovation
• Permits obtained
• Receipts or invoices
• Before-and-after photos (if available)

This information allows the appraiser to consider added value due to improvements, which is especially critical for sellers needing help-selling-my-home or investors seeking a strong investment property appraisal.

4. Clean and Present Your Property Well

While appraisers won’t judge the cleanliness of your home, a well-maintained and clutter-free environment makes it easier for them to access key areas. Clean your home, mow the lawn, and clear access to:

• Basement and attic
• Garage
• Crawlspaces
• Outdoor structures (sheds, decks, etc.)

A clean, orderly home allows the appraiser to see the condition clearly, which can support a more favorable outcome—particularly for pre-listing-appraisal or reo-appraisal scenarios.

5. Make Minor Repairs Ahead of Time

Before a residential-property-appraisal or property-appraisal, consider fixing small issues that could negatively affect your value, such as:

• Leaky faucets
• Cracked windows
• Damaged drywall
• Missing light fixtures

While appraisers focus on major systems and structural components, minor problems can still influence perceived condition and reduce overall value.

6. Provide Comparable Sales (If Available)

If you’re familiar with your neighborhood market, you might already know what similar homes have sold for. While the appraiser will perform their own analysis, sharing recent comparable sales can be useful—especially for a pre-listing-appraisal or investment property appraisal.

This data shows that you’re informed and helps the appraiser understand the local context, especially if there are unique selling points in your neighborhood.

7. Make a List of Unique Property Features

For any property-appraisal, it’s helpful to list the features that set your home apart:

• Views or waterfront access
• Custom cabinetry or design features
• Energy-efficient upgrades
• Smart home systems
• Additional dwelling units (ADUs)

Unique amenities can increase your home’s marketability and value, particularly for investors or sellers preparing for reo-appraisal or help-selling-my-home.

8. Secure Access to All Parts of the Property

The appraiser will need to access all rooms and exterior areas. If any parts are locked or used as storage (like a tenant-occupied basement or outbuilding), make arrangements to open these spaces during the inspection. In investment-property-appraisal cases, ensure tenants are notified in advance.

Lack of access can lead to delays or incomplete evaluations, which is especially risky during a time-sensitive mortgage-appraisal, bankruptcy-appraisal, or divorce-appraisal process.

9. Review Zoning and Land Use Information

If you’re dealing with a new-construction-appraisal, estate-appraisers process, or large parcels of land, zoning data can affect valuation. Prepare documentation such as:

• Zoning classification
• Lot size and boundaries
• Any variances or land use restrictions

This is also important for developers or investors who want a comprehensive investment-property-appraisal that includes land development potential.

10. Know Your Property’s Income (If Applicable)

For multi-family homes or rental properties, appraisers use an income approach to calculate value. In these cases, provide:

• Rent rolls
• Lease agreements
• Operating expenses
• Maintenance records

This data is essential for producing a reliable investment-property-appraisal, especially when working with banks or buyers who need evidence of income potential.

A professional appraisal provides more than just a number—it offers financial clarity, legal support, and peace of mind. But to get the most accurate results, preparation is key. Whether you’re seeking a divorce-appraisal, probate-appraisal, bankruptcy-appraisal, or just looking for help-selling-my-home, the steps above will help ensure your appraiser can deliver a well-informed and defensible valuation.

By organizing your documentation, cleaning and maintaining your property, and understanding the appraisal’s purpose, you empower the appraiser to evaluate your home with clarity and precision—resulting in a report you can confidently rely on.