Meeting the appraiser can be nerve-wracking. You want to be helpful and highlight your home's best features, but there is a fine line between being informative and being pushy. Here is a guide on what not to say to keep the process professional and compliant.
1. "I need it to appraise for at least $X."
Why: This can be interpreted as an attempt to influence the appraiser's independence. Appraisers are legally required to be unbiased. Discussing a target value puts them in an uncomfortable ethical position.
2. "The house down the street sold for $X, so mine should too."
Why: While providing data is helpful, dictating which comps to use is not. The appraiser will do their own research. If you know of a specific sale that wasn't on the MLS (a private sale), you can politely provide that info, but let them draw the conclusions.
3. "We spent $50,000 on this renovation."
Why: Cost does not equal value. Just because you spent it doesn't mean the market will pay for it. Instead, simply provide a list of upgrades and when they were completed (e.g., "New roof in 2023," "Kitchen remodeled in 2024"). Let the appraiser determine the market contribution.
4. "I'll give you a bonus if you can get it done by Friday."
Why: This is bribery and is strictly illegal.
The Best Approach?
Be friendly, allow access to all rooms, provide a list of recent improvements, and then let the appraiser do their job. If you have questions, it's best to route them through your lender (if it's a loan-related appraisal) to maintain proper protocol.