I've seen the full gambit of Appraisal dates - from early to late.

As either a Buyer OR Seller I would prefer it be done early... if there is any problem, I see no situation where it would be better to learn about it later rather than earlier.

Good luck!

Good point - I hadn't even considered there might be a problem with the appraisal - am I an optimist or what!

Also, I'd want the Buyer's Inspection done earlier rather than later for the same reason... indeed, as seller I have included in the Purchase Offer/Agreement the requirement that the inspection be completed within X days...

You don't need to do anything for the appraiser. They'll be taking pictures, etc, but if you've been showing your house, it will be fine!

Well he just left, had a nice chat while he had a cup of coffee ( I was making mine anyway and he accepted), did his laser measurements, took pictures and took notes on updates, etc. I told him we are curious about sq footage because tax assessor has one number, realtor has another, old appraisal for refi had another.... and he said he'd call me after he does the report with a number - nice guy. Fingers crossed we don't have an issue with the sales price.

What holiday?

My wife turned 71 on Monday.

Rosh Hashana. Schools and many businesses are closed here for the high holidays.

Wish her happy birthday from me saltidawg :-)

Forgive my ignorance, and the hijack of the thread, but I am curious as to where you are located that "schools and many businesses are closed for Rosh Hashanah." (Which I had to look up on Wikipedia.)

littlebug I'm in a northern Chicago suburb. Our school district closes, the one directly west of us closes but the ones directly north and south do not, although they do lose a significant percentage of their teaching staff and student body for the holidays. Many people don't live in an area with a large Jewish population or have contact with someone who celebrates so it doesn't surprise me that it's not on your radar - don't worry about it - if you don't ask questions you don't learn!

Thanks dlm for your thoughtful reply. Obviously I am very unfamiliar with the Jewish faith.

Backing out of your thread now - carry on. :)

dlm... first, congrats on the new offer.
Sometimes if I think my buyers contract price is close to what I think the appraised price will be, I demand that the lender sends out the appraiser ASAP. This way if a low appraisal causes the deal to fall apart, my buyer will not waste funds on inspections, preparing to move, attorney's fees, surveys and whatever other due diligence that would need to be done.
I would welcome a fast appraisal.

OMG, our buyers (well nothing is signed yet) are getting an appraisal before they even give us an offer. The appraisal costs $400. Who does that:?