What Not To Say To An Appraiser?

Certainly! When interacting with a real estate appraiser—whether you’re a homeowner, buyer, or agent—your words can influence the process, sometimes negatively. Here’s a guide on what not to say to an appraiser, and why:

What Not To Say To An Appraiser

1. “I Need This Value To Make The Deal Work.”

• Why Not: This puts pressure on the appraiser to “hit” a number, which is unethical and could be seen as attempting to influence their impartial judgment.

2. “The Buyer/Seller Paid $X For This Home.”

• Why Not: The appraiser is aware of the contract price but must base their opinion on market data, not on what someone is willing to pay.

3. “Can You Just Ignore That Issue?”

• Why Not: Asking the appraiser to overlook problems (like damage or code violations) can undermine their credibility and possibly violate regulations.

4. “Other Appraisers Have Given Higher Values.”

• Why Not: Comparing appraisers’ results can be seen as an attempt to sway their opinion, and each appraiser must conduct an independent analysis.

5. “If It Doesn’t Appraise, The Deal Will Fall Apart.”

• Why Not: This is another way of applying pressure, and appraisers are trained to remain objective regardless of transaction outcomes.

6. “I Did My Own Research—Here Are Some Comps.”

• Why Not: While you can provide information, avoid insisting your comps are correct. Instead, politely offer them for consideration without expectation.

7. “Can You Rush The Report?”

• Why Not: While timelines are important, pressuring the appraiser to hurry can be seen as an attempt to cut corners, potentially affecting accuracy.

8. “I’ll Make It Worth Your While.”

• Why Not: Any hint of a bribe or incentive is unethical and could have serious legal consequences.

What You Can Do

• Be Polite and Professional: Welcome the appraiser and answer questions honestly.
• Provide Documentation: Offer a list of recent upgrades or improvements, with receipts if possible.
• Share Information: If you have relevant, factual data (like recent sales in the neighborhood), offer it without expectation.

In summary:
Appraisers are required to be impartial and follow strict ethical guidelines. Avoid saying anything that could be interpreted as pressure, bias, or an attempt to influence the outcome. Instead, focus on being helpful, transparent, and respectful of their role.

Real Estate Appraisal

Professional real estate appraisal requires strict ethical standards and unbiased evaluation. Effective communication with certified appraisers involves respectful, transparent interaction without applying pressure or attempting to influence their independent judgment. Trust experienced Mt. Holly appraisers who maintain professional integrity, follow industry regulations, and deliver accurate property valuations based solely on market data and objective analysis for your real estate transactions.

Would you like tips on how to best prepare for an appraisal?