The appraiser pulls comps and then srives by the property to view the condition of the exterior only. They take a picture of the front of the house and that is it. These are not done often now. I have been able to get a drive by on my investment property when I am refiancing, usually onto a line of credit. FHA does not allow these. Conventional loans with excellent credit and a significate downpayment may depending upon the lender. They are generally less expensive than a full appraisal. - Sun Nov 1 2009, 08:32