When preparing for a home appraisal, it’s important to communicate effectively and avoid saying or doing anything that might negatively impact the process or the outcome. Here are key things not to tell a home appraiser:

Things Not to Say to a Home Appraiser

• Don’t discuss your opinion of the home’s value.
  • Avoid saying things like “I believe the house is worth more,” “Zillow says my house is worth…,” or “The neighbor’s appraisal came in higher.” Such statements can seem like you are pressuring the appraiser to hit a certain value, which is not their role.
• Don’t mention “comps” unless asked.
  • Avoid saying “A similar home sold for much higher.” Appraisers are trained to select and analyze comparable sales themselves.
• Don’t overshare about DIY work.
  • Avoid saying “I did a lot of work myself,” as this can raise concerns about the quality or legality of renovations.
• Don’t mention scheduling multiple appraisals.
  • Avoid saying “I’ve already scheduled a second appraisal,” which can imply you are unhappy with the process or trying to manipulate the outcome.
• Don’t pressure the appraiser.
  • Avoid saying things like “Do your best to get the value as high as possible” or “I’ll be happy as long as it appraises for at least the sales price.” These statements are inappropriate and can be seen as undue influence.

What Not to Do

• Don’t follow the appraiser around or constantly ask questions.
  • This can be distracting and make it harder for the appraiser to focus on their work.
• Don’t hide major issues.
  • While you don’t need to volunteer every minor flaw, do not intentionally hide significant problems such as structural issues, unpermitted additions, or past illegal activities (e.g., the house was a meth lab or pot house). If asked directly, be honest.
• Don’t discuss confidential or sensitive information.
  • Appraisers work for the lender, not the homeowner, and are not required to share their findings with you during the inspection.

Additional Tips

• Keep your conversation factual.
  • Stick to sharing relevant information about the home, neighborhood, and any recent improvements or issues.
• Don’t argue or try to justify your desired value.
  • The appraiser’s role is to provide an unbiased opinion based on objective criteria.
• Don’t expect the appraiser to discuss value with you.
  • Appraisers typically do not discuss the final value with homeowners during the inspection.

By avoiding these pitfalls, you help ensure the appraisal process remains professional, unbiased, and efficient.

Real Estate Appraisal

Professional real estate appraisal requires objectivity and adherence to industry standards. Homeowners can support this process by maintaining appropriate boundaries during inspections, allowing appraisers to conduct thorough evaluations without interference or influence. Understanding these professional protocols ensures accurate property valuations that serve all parties involved in real estate transactions while maintaining the integrity of the appraisal profession.