CAS Blog

Have a great July 4th!

Coronavirus or COVID-19

In light of the national health experts recommending that the public limit contact with others, there have been some borrower concerns regarding appraisal inspections.

To complete a full appraisal, an appraiser must enter the home and make a visual inspection which may or may not include the attic space.  The appraiser may also need to measure the rooms in the home using their personal equipment; however, most of the measurements are done on the exterior of the home.  Inspections require very little contact with surfaces and appraisers will make every effort to avoid doing so.  The appraiser may be wearing gloves, a mask, or ask our borrowers if they have had a known exposure to the Corona virus. This level of precaution and communication is essential to the task at hand and public safety. 

There are things a borrower can do as well. 

• Prior to the inspection appointment, ask the appraiser if they have had any known exposure. 
• Ask the appraiser if attic access is needed.  If yes, have the access open prior to the appraiser’s arrival.  Appraisers will have and utilize their own ladder.
• Right before the inspection, have doors to all rooms open and unobstructed.  This way the appraiser can move freely though the house.
• Turn on all lights in all rooms so the appraiser can avoid touching light switches.
• When the appraiser arrives, offer hand sanitizer or gloves if the appraiser is not already wearing them. 
• Homeowners and tenants should vacate the home or maintain a 6-foot distance from the appraiser.
• Be the appraiser’s hands during the inspection while remaining at a distance.  Appraisers may need to see the stove working, a toilet flushed or water turned on.  The borrower can do these things for the appraiser so the appraiser does not have to touch these surfaces.

Rest assured that appraisers are being advised to self-quarantine if symptoms are present and to establish safety protocol for interior inspections which may include discussing potential exposure with the borrower, refraining from touching surfaces, thoroughly washing hands before and after inspections, use protective gloves and masks (if available), etc.

CDC Link “How to Protect Yourself” page which has comprehensive information:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fabout%2Fprevention.html

Have a wonderful 2020!

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