When interacting with a real estate appraiser, it’s important to avoid statements or questions that could be interpreted as attempts to influence the appraisal outcome. Saying the wrong thing can make the appraiser uncomfortable, appear unprofessional, or even raise ethical concerns. Here are the main things you should not say to a real estate appraiser:
- “I believe the house is worth more.”
Expressing your opinion about the home’s value can make the appraiser suspicious of your motives and may prompt them to scrutinize the property more closely. Appraisers rely on objective market data, not owner opinions. - “A similar home sold for much higher.”
Cherry-picking comparable sales or suggesting which sales to use can be seen as an attempt to sway the value. Appraisers consider many factors beyond sale prices, including condition, upgrades, and location. - “Do your best to get the value as high as possible.”
This kind of statement is a clear attempt to pressure the appraiser and is highly inappropriate. It can make the appraiser defensive and may even be considered an attempt to influence their independent judgment. - “We need it to appraise for $X.” or “If it doesn’t appraise for X, our loan won’t go through.”
Discussing your financial needs or constraints is not relevant to the appraisal and can be interpreted as an attempt to manipulate the outcome. - “Can you leave out the recent foreclosures and short sales?”
Asking the appraiser to exclude certain sales data is unethical and could be construed as trying to direct the appraisal value. - “Can you not take a picture of that hole in the wall?”
Requesting that the appraiser ignore or omit negative aspects of the property is inappropriate and could get both you and the appraiser in trouble. - “Is it going to come in at value?” or “I’ll be happy as long as it appraises for at least the sales price.”
These statements subtly pressure the appraiser to meet a specific value, which is not their role. - “All houses in this area are worth more now.” or making predictions about future market trends
Broad, unsupported market statements are unhelpful and can undermine the appraiser’s process. - Overselling your property’s features or criticizing other properties
Exaggerating improvements or making negative comments about comparable homes can backfire and is not helpful.
What You Should Do Instead
- Stick to facts: Provide accurate information about improvements, dates, and relevant documentation if asked.
- Be professional and courteous: Allow the appraiser to do their job without interference.
- Answer questions honestly: Share information when requested, but avoid pushing for a specific outcome.
Appraisers are required to provide an unbiased, independent valuation. The best approach is to be helpful, honest, and let the property’s merits speak for themselves.
