What Documents Do I Need For A Home Appraisal In Wilmington?

For a typical home appraisal in Wilmington, you usually don't need a big stack of paperwork. Still, a few documents on hand make the visit go faster and help the appraiser see your home the way you do.

Core property documents

Gather these if you can, even if your lender never asked for them.

• Your latest property tax bill or assessment notice, which shows the current assessed value and tax amount.
• The closing statement or purchase papers from when you bought, especially if that was within the last three years.
• A survey or plot/plat map showing lot lines, easements and where the building sits, if you have one.
• The original house plans, blueprints or older sketches and floor plans, if they're around.
• Any homeowners association (HOA) or condo papers that show dues, rules and special assessments.

Improvements and repairs documentation

Updates and condition matter a lot to an appraiser, so clear records let them give you credit for the work you've done.

• A written list of major improvements and repairs (roof, HVAC, kitchen or bath remodels, additions, windows and so on) with dates and a few words about each.
• Receipts or invoices for the big jobs, especially structural, mechanical, roofing or other costly updates.
• Permits or final inspections for additions, finished attics or basements, structural changes, or major electrical and plumbing work.

Legal and occupancy information

Lenders and appraisers sometimes need to confirm how the property is used and whether anything legal or financial affects its value.

• Details on any current leases or rental agreements, if part or all of the home is rented.
• Anything about easements, shared driveways or private road agreements that affect access.
• Notes on any zoning issues, boundary disputes or use restrictions you know of.

Helpful optional items for the appraiser

You don't have to have these, but they can make things smoother and sometimes help the appraiser double-check details sooner.

• Copies of earlier appraisals of the property, even if they're a few years old.
• A short "home fact sheet" with total square footage, bedroom and bath count, the age of the roof and systems, and notable features (fireplace, deck, pool, energy-efficient upgrades).
• Neighborhood perks that aren't obvious from the street, like nearby parks, river or creek access, school ratings and walkability.

What your lender typically provides

In most Wilmington sales, the lender orders the appraisal and sends the key documents straight to the appraiser, so you don't have to pass those along.

• The sales contract (for a purchase), including price, concessions and closing timeline.
• Basic loan information and any program requirements (FHA/VA/USDA/conventional), which can change what the appraiser has to verify.

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What to do with this information

Jot down the records you can't find and ask which ones are truly needed for your purpose and which are just nice to have. If this is for an estate or another past-date value, label photos and repairs by date so today's condition isn't mistaken for how the home was back then. If you'd like to talk it through, we're easy to reach at (302) 298-3336, or you can send a note below.

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