Property basics
- Street address, city, ZIP code, property type, and number of units if it is a duplex, triplex, or fourplex.
- Reason for the appraisal, such as estate, divorce, PMI removal, pre-listing, tax appeal, purchase, or refinance.
- Requested timeline, known deadline, and whether the request is still exploratory or ready to move forward.
Access and occupancy
- Best access contact, preferred appointment windows, gate or lockbox notes, and any pets or entry constraints.
- Occupancy details, including whether the property is owner-occupied, vacant, tenant-occupied, or has multiple units.
- Any areas that may be difficult to access, including basements, attics, garages, outbuildings, or occupied units.
Property details
- Recent upgrades, renovations, repairs, additions, finished-area changes, or condition issues worth noting.
- Special features such as accessory structures, unusual site features, waterfront influence, acreage, or mixed-condition areas.
- For 2-4 unit properties, gather rent, lease, utility, and occupancy notes if they are relevant to the intended use.
Use-case notes
- For lender-related requests, confirm whether the lender must order the appraisal through its own process.
- For legal, estate, divorce, or tax appeal matters, gather any effective dates, deadlines, or professional contact instructions.
- For PMI removal, ask the lender what appraisal process they will accept before ordering privately.