When interacting with a home appraiser, certain statements can be problematic and should be avoided to maintain the integrity of the appraisal process and prevent any appearance of attempting to influence the appraiser’s professional judgment.

Value-Related Comments to Avoid

The most important rule is to never discuss your home’s perceived value or attempt to influence the appraiser’s opinion. Avoid saying things like “I believe the house is worth more” or referencing online estimates such as “Zillow says my house is worth…” Don’t ask questions like “Is it going to come in at this value?” or make statements such as “I’ll be happy as long as it appraises for at least the sales price”. These types of comments can be interpreted as pressure to reach a specific value.

You should also avoid making comparative statements like “A similar home sold for much higher” or “The neighbor’s appraisal came in higher”. Don’t tell the appraiser to “give me the best appraisal you can” as this is often interpreted as asking for the highest possible value rather than an accurate assessment.

Directing the Appraisal Process

Never attempt to control how the appraiser conducts their work. Avoid saying “Use these sales, they are the best comps for this house” when providing comparable properties, as this appears to be directing the appraiser toward specific data points. Don’t ask them to exclude certain information by saying things like “Can you leave out the recent foreclosures and short sales?” as this could be seen as trying to manipulate the outcome.

Similarly, never ask an appraiser to hide physical issues with statements like “Can you not take a picture of that hole in the wall?” This type of request could be viewed as attempting to conceal important information from the lender.

Confidentiality Violations

Don’t ask the appraiser to share confidential information by saying “Let me know if it comes in low, ok?” Appraisers cannot disclose the appraised value to anyone except their client, which is typically the lender in mortgage transactions. This puts the appraiser in an uncomfortable position and violates professional protocols.

What You Should Do Instead

Focus your conversation on factual information about the home, neighborhood, and any relevant details the appraiser should know. Be honest and forthcoming about any significant issues with the property, as withholding important information that could impact value may constitute fraud. If asked direct questions by the appraiser, provide truthful answers rather than trying to hide problems.

You can provide helpful information such as a list of improvements and upgrades made to the home, but present this as factual documentation rather than as justification for a higher value. Give the appraiser space to work without following them around or constantly asking questions, as this can be distracting and hinder their ability to perform an accurate assessment.

Remember that appraisers are trained professionals whose job is to provide an unbiased, accurate opinion of value based on market data and property conditions. The best approach is to be cooperative, honest, and allow them to do their work without attempting to influence the outcome.

Real Estate Appraisal

Real estate appraisal requires professional objectivity and adherence to industry standards. Successful appraisals depend on unbiased property evaluation, market data analysis, and honest communication between all parties. Property owners who understand the appraisal process and avoid attempting to influence outcomes help ensure accurate valuations that protect both buyers and lenders in real estate transactions.