OP here. Thanks all. We want a thorough appraisal of any place we buy so this is good to hear.

Anonymous wrote:Recent refi - didn't come in, I wasn't even home. Wonder if maybe they do when buying but not for refis?

10:39 above. Inside, detailed, pics on a re-fi. Very low LTV.

Recent refi - didn't come in, I wasn't even home. Wonder if maybe they do when buying but not for refis?

I'm a seller who just had one this week. He went in the home and took pictures of every room.

We've done many refi's over the years, and every time they've come in and taken a photo of every room. They want to document the interior layout of the house, which rooms are finished or updated and which aren't, and the general level of trim. They don't care about neat or messy (though I've compulsively straightened up anyway).

I suspect drive-by (exterior only) appraisals have almost, but not quite, gone the way of no-doc loans. It's true that an awful lot of the valuation is based on comps and neighborhood market conditions rather than house condition, but these days I would think they'd only forgo a look at the interior if the lot were being appraised for a tear-down.

We've experienced both types. With lending rules tightening up over the last few years, I would hope they go inside all the time at this point.

Our recent re-fi (with a LTV around 45%) was pretty thorough with notes and taking photos of bathrooms, bedrooms, kitchen, fireplaces, etc.

Banker here - it depends on what the bank tells them to do. It is not specifically required to inspect at all, but most appraisers want to see the property, both inside and out. But the bank sometimes orders a "drive-by" appraisal which is exterior inspection only. It may be for less risky loans, or based on timing and/or fee.

Yes. They want to count the number of bedrooms and bathrooms and take photographic evidence.

And no, they don't give a crap if you have piles of laundry or kids toys strewn about.

Of course, how else could she appraise?

It's not just about the external appearance, but about the condition and quality of the home. It may look gorgeous outside, but if the inside is trashed that's a very different appraisal than a home in perfect condition.

Every time we have bought, sold, or re-financed the appraiser was very thorough in taking notes, taking pictures.

When I refinanced a few years ago, they didn't come in my home.

yes

Yes

Ours did last summer. He took pictures of various things for comparison to other recently sold homes to come up with why ours was better or worse than others. Even noted brands of appliances.

We bought our last home many years ago and I think the appraiser didn't even go inside the home. We're looking to buy again now, and I was just wondering.