When interacting with a home appraiser, there are several things you should avoid saying or doing to ensure the process remains professional, unbiased, and free from any perception of undue influence. Here are the key points you should keep in mind:

  • Do not discuss or suggest a specific value for your home. Avoid statements like “I’ll be happy as long as it appraises for at least the sales price,” “Is it going to come in at this value?”, or “Do your best to get the value as high as possible.” Appraisers are trained to remain impartial, and trying to steer them toward a certain number can make them suspicious and potentially lead to a more stringent evaluation.
  • Refrain from pressuring the appraiser or asking them to “help” with the value. Phrases such as “Give me the best appraisal you can” or “Let me know if it comes in low, ok?” are inappropriate and can be interpreted as attempts to influence the outcome, which is strictly prohibited.
  • Don’t cherry-pick comparable sales. While you can provide factual information about recent sales in your neighborhood, avoid only presenting the highest-priced comps or insisting that the appraiser use certain sales to justify a higher value. This may come across as manipulative and could backfire.
  • Never ask the appraiser to ignore or omit property issues. For example, saying “Can you not take a picture of that hole in the wall?” or “Can you leave out the recent foreclosures and short sales?” is unethical and could be considered an attempt to mislead the lender.
  • Don’t hide major property defects or issues. While you aren’t required to volunteer every minor flaw, deliberately concealing significant problems (like unpermitted additions, foundation issues, or environmental hazards) is risky and could be construed as fraud if discovered later. If asked directly, always answer honestly.
  • Avoid following the appraiser around or interrupting their process. Constantly shadowing the appraiser or peppering them with questions can be distracting and hinder their ability to do their job thoroughly.
  • Don’t expect the appraiser to discuss their findings or the appraised value with you. The appraiser’s client is typically the lender, not the homeowner, so they are not permitted to share the value with you directly during the process.

Best practice:
Keep your communication factual and professional. Share information about upgrades, renovations, or unique features if asked, and provide documentation when appropriate. Stay neutral and let the appraiser do their job without interference or attempts to sway the outcome.

“Keep your conversation to the appraiser about facts of the home, neighborhood and any other relevant information you think the appraiser should know. Don’t pressure the appraiser to hit the value and you’ll be fine.”