What NOT to Tell Your Home Appraiser: Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s important to approach an appraiser with honesty and transparency to get an accurate market value assessment. However, there are a few things you should avoid saying to ensure the appraisal is unbiased and fairly representative of the property’s worth. Here are some phrases to steer clear of when speaking with an appraiser:

I need it to appraise for a certain price – This statement can signal to the appraiser that you have a vested interest in the value coming out a certain way, potentially influencing their decision-making process.

Please appraise it as high as possible – Again, this phrase is essentially asking the appraiser to skew the results in your favor.

The market is on fire right now – While it’s true that market conditions can impact appraisals to some degree, it’s not a guarantee that your property will be valued higher because of a hot market.

Ultimately, it’s best to provide the appraiser with all the necessary information about the property and let them come to their own conclusions to ensure an objective and accurate appraisal.

What Not to Say to an Appraiser: Avoid Making These Mistakes to Get a Fair Home Appraisal

As a homeowner, you might feel a sense of attachment and pride towards your property, which can lead you to have unrealistic expectations while getting it appraised. However, it’s essential to understand that home appraisals are not just subjective opinions, but they’re based on several factors and market conditions. Saying the wrong thing to an appraiser can jeopardize your chances of getting a proper home appraisal, leading to financial losses. Here are some things you should avoid saying to your appraiser.

Setting Unrealistic Expectations

One of the main mistakes homeowners make is setting unrealistic expectations about their property’s value. It may be deceiving to compare your home to other properties with a higher value, as every house is different and unique. Assuming that your property is worth more than its actual value can lead to disappointment and resentment towards the appraiser. It’s important to be objective about the features and conditions of your property and consider any defects that may affect its value. Key Point: Do not set unrealistic expectations by comparing your home to others or assuming it is worth more than its actual value.

Putting Pressure on the Appraiser

Pressuring the appraiser to sign off on a specific value or suggesting that they reconsider their initial assessment is not a good idea. Appraisers follow a set of guidelines and procedures to derive a home’s value and remain impartial throughout the process. They cannot be influenced by higher authorities or pressured into raising the home’s value. At the same time, you need to be cooperative and answer any questions regarding the house, construction, and special features. Key Point: Do not pressure the appraiser to raise the home’s value or reconsider their initial assessment.

Using Vague or Misleading Language

Using misleading language or providing information that is vague, incomplete, or incorrect can negatively impact the appraisal process. Misconceptions, like saying that the house has been remodeled when it hasn’t, can mislead the appraiser and result in improper value. Being honest, concise and providing accurate information is the best approach to ensure the process remains transparent and unbiased. Key Point: Do not provide vague or misleading information that can deceive the appraiser and hurt the appraisal process.

Focusing Solely on Price

Focusing solely on the sale price of the property is not enough to get a fair appraisal. Seasoned appraisers analyze a host of market data, comparable sales, and local trends while determining the home’s value. You may feel that getting a high appraisal will work in your favor, but keep in mind that your home’s actual value reflects the current market conditions, and an inflated appraisal may ultimately delay the sale of your home. Key Point: Do not focus solely on the sale price and understand that appraisals involve a host of factors that impact a home’s value.

Dismissing the Appraiser’s Professional Opinion

Dismissing the appraiser’s professional opinion or arguing with them about the home’s value can be unproductive. The appraiser is well trained and has the experience to determine the home’s value based on the current market conditions, so the homeowner should respect the appraiser’s assessment. It’s essential to understand that the appraiser’s opinion is subjective to the current market and in line with industry-standard procedures. Key Point: Do not dismiss the appraiser’s professional opinion and respect their assessment.

Assuming the Market Will Always Favor the Seller

Assuming that the market will always favor the seller’s price and choosing your prefered appraiser can be misleading. Homeowners should avoid being biased in the appraisal process and trust the appraiser entirely. Keeping an open mind and valuing the appraiser’s experience is essential to ensure the process remains fair and unbiased. Key Point: Do not assume that the market will always favor the seller’s price or choose your preferred appraiser to avoid bias in the appraisal process.

Neglecting to Provide Accurate and Complete Information

Providing incomplete or inaccurate information regarding the house’s condition, upgrades, quality, or defects can mislead the appraiser. This can result in a more in-depth, lengthier appraisal process that could cause delays and frustrate all involved parties. To avoid such a scenario, it’s essential to provide accurate and comprehensive information regarding the property explicitly, which could include important documents, such as renovation permits and disclosures of any issues. Key Point: Do not neglect to provide accurate and complete information about the property and provide important documents that reflect any upgrades, renovations, or disclosures. In conclusion, speaking professionally, honestly, and respectfully with the appraiser can lead to an effective and fair appraisal process. Avoiding the pitfalls mentioned above can ultimately lead to a successful appraisal and the sale of the property.