• Type of House: This can refer to a single-family home, a townhouse, a unit in a condominium complex, a mixed-use space, or something else entirely.

. Design and Style: An appraiser will consider the architectural style of the home. Think modern, ranch, craftsman, colonial, mid-century, and so on.

• Build Year: The age of a home can influence value, particularly if it’s newly constructed or historic.

• Construction Materials: Here’s where the appraiser notes everything from siding (brick, vinyl, concrete, composite…) to flooring (hardwood, tile, carpet, laminate…), to trim and wainscoting (wood, plastic, metal…).

• Square Footage: How large is the home? The appraiser is required to measure your home. This is one of the most important factors in determining the value of your home.

• Number of Bedrooms: These will be counted in accordance with state regulations on what defines a bedroom. Any bedroom located below grade is considered a finished basement area and is given credit in a different section of the appraisal grid. 

• Number of Bathrooms: Full baths and half baths both earn credit. Also, any bedroom located below grade is considered a finished basement area and is given credit in a different section of the appraisal grid.

• Foundation Type: Appraisers look at whether a home is on a slab, has a crawl space, or has a full basement.

• Basement Details: If the home does have a basement, an appraiser will take into account whether the space is finished, if are there any foundation cracks, or if the basement takes on water.

• Attic Details: If the home has an attic, the appraiser will evaluate the size and condition of the space. When doing FHA appraisals, the appraiser is required to do what is called the “Head and Shoulders” test. The appraiser is required to inspect the attic and basement/crawl space to at least the head and shoulders level.

• HVAC Details: How is the home heated and cooled? How old is the system? What condition is the system currently in?

• Check the Panel Box: The appraiser will check for the following defective conditions during an electrical panel inspection:

   

  Do I have an escape path? Make sure that you know where you can safely turn or step if you must safely escape a dangerous surprise, such as bees or sparks. An unfortunately placed shovel or extension cord, for instance, can turn a quick jerk into a dangerous fall.

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  Are the Floors Wet?: Never touch any electrical equipment while standing on a wet surface!

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  Does the Panel Box Appear to be Wet?: Check overhead for dripping water that has condensed on a cold water pipe. Moisture can arrive in more ways than you can imagine.

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   Is the Box Rusty?: Rust is an indication of previous wet conditions that may still exist.

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   Is the Panel Cover on the Box?: This may or may not be an issue. If the cover is off the box the appraiser should inquire to the agent/ homeowner as to why.

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   Car Storage: This refers to proper parking areas, not how many vehicles could theoretically fit on the front lawn. Garages (attached or detached),  carports, and driveway will be evaluated — as well as the driveway surface type  (pavement, gravel, dirt, and so on).

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   Appliances: An appraiser will take note of present appliances, which may include:  a refrigerator, stove, oven, dishwasher, microwave, washer and dryer, and others. The appraiser should inquire to the agent/ homeowner as to the age of those appliances. The list below is the age life of some of the components of your home.

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