Having available property documents ready can help the appraiser understand your Wilmington home. Ask which records are needed for the assignment.
Core property documents
Have these items available if you can, even if your lender did not specifically request them.
Recent property tax bill or tax assessment notice, showing current assessed value and tax amount.Closing statement or purchase documents from when you bought the home, especially if within the last three years.Survey or plot/plat map showing lot boundaries, easements, and building location, if you have one.Copy of original house plans, blueprints, or prior sketches/floor plans, if available.Any homeowners association (HOA) or condo documents that show dues, rules, and special assessments.Improvements and repairs documentation
Clear records help explain updates and condition; improvement cost does not establish a dollar-for-dollar increase in value.
Written list of major improvements and repairs (roof, HVAC, kitchen/bath remodels, additions, windows, etc.) with dates and basic descriptions.Receipts or invoices for major work, especially structural, mechanical, roofing, or high‑cost updates.Permits or final inspections for additions, finished attics/basements, structural changes, or major electrical/plumbing work.Legal and occupancy information
Lenders and appraisers may need to confirm how the property is used and whether there are any legal or financial factors that affect value.
Information on any current leases or rental agreements if part or all of the home is rented.Details on any easements, shared driveways, or private road agreements affecting access.Notes on any known zoning issues, boundary disputes, or property use restrictions, if applicable.Helpful optional items for the appraiser
These are not strictly required but can make the process smoother and sometimes help the appraiser verify data more quickly.
Copies of any previous appraisals of the property, even if a few years old.A short “home fact sheet” with: total square footage, bedroom/bath count, age of roof, age of systems, and list of notable features (fireplace, deck, pool, energy‑efficient upgrades).Information about property features or nearby amenities that may not be obvious on site, such as parks or water access.Documents to Confirm with Your Lender
For a lender-arranged assignment, ask which documents the lender will provide, such as:
The sales contract (for a purchase), including price, concessions, and closing timeline.Basic loan information and any program‑specific requirements (FHA/VA/USDA/conventional), which can affect what the appraiser must verify.