A desktop appraisal is only as good as the information behind it. Public records and sales data describe the neighborhood well, but photos are how the appraiser sees the condition and quality of the home itself. This checklist covers what to send, in roughly the order to take it.
Outside the home
- The front of the house from the street, straight on
- The street in both directions, showing neighboring homes
- The back of the house and the yard
- Any pool, spa, detached garage, guest house, or accessory dwelling unit
- The roof if visible from the ground, and any obvious exterior damage
- For condos: the building exterior, entry, parking, and common areas you can access
Inside the home
- Every room, taken from a corner so most of the room is visible
- The kitchen, including counters, cabinets, and appliances
- Each bathroom, including the shower or tub and vanity
- Flooring changes, built-ins, and any finished basement or attic space
- The water heater, furnace or HVAC unit, and electrical panel
- Any damage, unfinished work, leaks, or deferred maintenance
Phone photos are fine. Turn on the lights and open the blinds; daylight makes condition easier to judge.
Documents that help
- Permits or plans for additions, garage conversions, or ADUs
- A list of updates with approximate years (roof, kitchen, baths, windows, systems)
- For condos: the HOA name, monthly dues, and any special assessments
- Any prior appraisal, inspection report, or listing information you have
When the value is for a past date
If the appraisal is for a date of death or another past date, the report describes the home as it was then. Recent photos still help, but also send anything that shows the earlier condition: old family photos, a prior listing, insurance photos, or a short description of what has changed since. Cleaning out a home or making repairs after a death is normal; just tell us what was done.
How to send them
After the invoice is paid, we will email instructions for sharing photos. Send them as originals rather than screenshots so detail is preserved.
By Brian Ward, California Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser. Reviewed November 2026.