What notice are lenders required to give for appraisal appointments in North Carolina?

Short Answer

North Carolina law does not set a specific minimum amount of notice a lender must give before an appraisal appointment. Appraisers need permission to access the property, and scheduling is typically coordinated with the owner, occupant, or agent on reasonable notice. Separately, lenders must deliver a copy of the appraisal promptly upon completion and at least three business days before closing, and your loan servicer must provide a written payoff statement within a set federal timeframe after a written request.

Understanding the Problem

In North Carolina real estate closings, buyers often ask: can my lender set an appraisal with little or no notice? Here, you are under contract with closing approaching, and the lender unexpectedly ordered an appraisal on short notice. The concern is access, privacy during the inspection, and staying on track for closing.

Apply the Law

North Carolina statutes do not prescribe a fixed notice period for appraisal appointments. Practically, appraisers must coordinate with whoever controls access (owner, occupant, property manager, or agent) before entering. Federal lending rules cover what must be provided to you: your lender must give you a copy of any valuation (such as an appraisal) promptly after completion, and no later than three business days before closing, unless you waive that timing to close earlier. Federal rules also require your mortgage servicer to provide an accurate payoff statement within a short, defined window after receiving a written request.

Key Requirements

• Consent to enter: Appraisers must coordinate access; there is no set notice period in statute, but entry without permission is not allowed.
• Appraisal copy deadline: Your lender must deliver a copy of the appraisal promptly upon completion and at least three business days before closing (unless you waive to close sooner).
• Payoff statement timing: Your servicer must provide a written payoff statement within seven business days after receiving your written request, with limited exceptions.
• Professional conduct: Appraisers generally document the property’s condition with photos; if conduct seems inappropriate, you may complain to the North Carolina Appraisal Board.

What the Statutes Say

• 12 C.F.R. § 1002.14 (Appraisal delivery under ECOA/Reg B) – Lenders must give applicants a copy of valuations promptly and no later than three business days before closing (waiver permitted).
• 12 C.F.R. § 1026.36(c)(3) (Payoff statements under TILA/Reg Z) – Servicers must provide an accurate payoff statement within seven business days of a written request, with limited exceptions.
• North Carolina Gen. Stat. Chapter 93E (Appraisers Act) – Governs appraisal licensure and conduct; complaints are handled by the state board.

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: Because North Carolina law does not mandate a specific notice period, your lender could request an appraisal on short notice, but the appraiser still needs permission to enter. Taking property-condition photos is common, but you can raise concerns if sensitive personal items were photographed unnecessarily. Your lender must provide the appraisal copy at least three business days before closing (unless you waive that period). If you are struggling to obtain a payoff statement, submit a written request to the servicer; they generally must send it within seven business days.

Process & Timing

1. Who files: Borrower/owner or agent. Where: Coordinate scheduling directly with the appraiser, listing agent, or property manager in North Carolina. What: Confirm date/time and any access limits (e.g., rooms, personal items). When: As soon as the lender or appraisal management company contacts you; ask for reasonable notice to prepare.
2. Appraisal copy: The lender must deliver the appraisal promptly upon completion and no later than three business days before closing unless you provide a written waiver to close earlier.
3. Payoff statement: Send a written payoff request to your loan servicer (use the address it designates for such requests). The servicer must provide an accurate payoff within seven business days of receiving your written request, unless an exception applies. Keep proof of delivery.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

• If you refuse reasonable access, the lender may delay or condition the loan; clarify any limits (for privacy) ahead of time to avoid rescheduling.
• You can waive the three-day appraisal-delivery period to close earlier, but do so only after reviewing the report.
• Payoff statement timing can be delayed in limited circumstances (e.g., bankruptcy or foreclosure status); ask the servicer to explain any exception.
• If an appraiser’s conduct seems improper (e.g., entering without permission, photographing sensitive items unnecessarily), document it and consider a complaint to the North Carolina Appraisal Board.

Talk to a Real Estate Attorney

If you’re facing last‑minute appraisal scheduling, privacy concerns during inspections, or payoff delays before closing, our firm has experienced attorneys who can help you understand your options and timelines. Call us today at 919-341-7055.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about North Carolina law based on the single question stated above. It is not legal advice for your specific situation and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws, procedures, and local practice can change and may vary by county. If you have a deadline, act promptly and speak with a licensed North Carolina attorney.