What Documents Do I Need For A Home Appraisal In Delaware County?

Start with the request

For a Delaware County request, begin with the address, property type, purpose and requested valuation date. Then gather the relevant records:

• Access info and basic property data
• A detailed list of improvements
• Recent tax and HOA info
• Relevant legal/financial documents (purchase contract, divorce decree, etc., when applicable)

Identify the home and parcel

Locate the records you already have. Confirm which ones the assignment needs:

• Deed or latest property record showing owner name and parcel ID/folio number, which ties into county assessment and any appeal.
• Most recent property tax bill or assessment notice from Delaware County Board of Assessment.
• Recent mortgage statement if there are multiple properties or if the lender asks for it as part of the loan file.
• Survey or plot plan if available, especially if lot lines, easements, or encroachments are an issue.

Explain improvements and condition

Dates, descriptions and available records help distinguish an improvement from routine maintenance:

• Written list of all major home improvements and repairs (kitchen/bath remodels, additions, roof, HVAC, windows, finished basement, etc.) with dates and brief descriptions.
• Receipts, invoices, or contracts for larger upgrades to help the appraiser understand quality and cost.
• Copies of available building permits and approvals for additions, finished basements, decks or other significant work.
• Any home warranty information, especially on big‑ticket systems (roof, HVAC, solar).

When a purchase or loan is involved

If the appraisal is tied to a loan, the lender's file will include your financial docs, but the appraiser may need these property‑specific items:

• Executed Agreement of Sale / Purchase Contract, including addenda, to see the contract price and concessions.
• Copy of any prior appraisal done recently (for example, from an earlier refinance or estate settlement) if you want the appraiser aware of it.
• Homeowners insurance policy or quote, homeowners association (HOA) covenants, rules, and current fee amount, if the property is in a condo/HOA community.

Instructions for a legal or estate matter

For a divorce, estate or assessment matter, share the requested valuation date and relevant instructions:

• Divorce decree or court order stating the purpose and effective date of value, so the appraiser can match the correct valuation date.
• Estate documents (letters testamentary, trust documents) showing who can authorize the appraisal, if applicable.
• For a Delaware County tax assessment appeal: the county appeal form, letter from the Board of Assessment, and any supporting data you want considered (photos, prior appraisals, market data).

Other evidence worth discussing

Ask whether the following information would help explain the property:

• Recent comparable sales you know about in your neighborhood (addresses and sale prices).
• Info on neighborhood amenities important to value (nearby schools, walkability, special community features).
• For tenant-occupied or income-producing property, ask which leases, rent records and income/expense statements are needed.

Share records deliberately

• Confirm whether any personal financial documents are relevant before sharing them with the appraiser.
• A home inspection report or repair record can supply context about significant condition issues; ask whether it is useful for the assignment.