Appraisers value facts they can verify. A clean packet makes sure your improvements and income are not missed, especially after a renovation or when you are refinancing.
Keep it factual: share information and documentation, and let the appraiser reach their own conclusion. Do not suggest or ask for a specific value — appraiser independence rules exist for good reason. On many loans, information may need to go through your lender rather than directly to the appraiser.
A short note thanking the appraiser for their time and explaining that you have put together a summary of recent improvements, current and projected income, and recent nearby sales, along with supporting documents.
List work started and completed dates, total invested, and whether permits were pulled, broken out by category: kitchen, bathrooms, roof, HVAC, windows, flooring, electrical/plumbing, and exterior/landscaping — with cost, date, and what was done for each.
For each unit: current rent, lease end date, and market rent if vacant. Attach copies of leases, a rent roll, or for short-term rentals, average daily rate and occupancy reports.
Recent closed sales, ideally within about a mile and the last six months: address, beds/baths, square feet, sale price, price per square foot, date, and how it compares. Austin can pull these from the MLS for you.
Can I ask the appraiser to hit a certain value?
No. Appraiser independence rules exist for good reason — share facts and documentation and let the appraiser reach their own conclusion. On many loans, information needs to go through your lender rather than directly to the appraiser.
Can Austin help pull comparable sales for my packet?
Yes — he can pull recent comparable sales and leased rents from the MLS and help you put together a clean, factual packet for your lender and appraiser.