When preparing for a home appraisal, it’s important to know what topics and statements to avoid when speaking with the appraiser. Here are key things you should not tell a home appraiser:

Topics and Statements to Avoid

• Don’t Discuss Your Home’s Value
  • Avoid saying things like, “I believe the house is worth more,” or “Zillow says my house is worth…” Talking about value can put pressure on the appraiser and is considered inappropriate.
  • Do not ask, “Is it going to come in at this value?” or “Do your best to get the value as high as possible.” These comments can be seen as trying to influence the outcome.
• Don’t Compare to Other Homes or Appraisals
  • Avoid mentioning, “A similar home sold for much higher,” or “The neighbor’s appraisal came in higher.” Appraisers are aware of market trends and will make their own comparisons.
• Don’t Mention DIY Work Without Proof
  • Statements like, “I did a lot of work myself,” can raise concerns about quality unless you have documentation or permits for the work.
• Don’t Say You’ve Scheduled Another Appraisal
  • Telling the appraiser, “I’ve already scheduled a second appraisal,” can come across as distrustful or manipulative.
• Don’t Pressure or Follow the Appraiser
  • Avoid following the appraiser around the house or constantly asking questions. This can be distracting and hinder their ability to do their job.
  • Do not pressure the appraiser to “hit the value” or express expectations about the outcome.

What Not to Hide (But Also What Not to Overshare)

• Don’t Hide Major Issues
  • While you do not need to volunteer every minor defect, you should not intentionally hide major problems such as structural issues, foundation problems, or past illegal activities (e.g., the house was a meth lab or had a heinous crime occur).
  • If asked directly about a significant issue, be honest. Deliberately withholding important information can border on fraud.
• Don’t Overshare Personal Opinions
  • Stick to facts about the home, neighborhood, and any relevant improvements or issues. Avoid sharing personal opinions about what you think the home is worth or what you hope to get.

Summary Table

Real Estate Appraisal

Professional real estate appraisal requires objectivity and independence to ensure accurate property valuations. Understanding proper appraiser etiquette helps homeowners navigate the process smoothly while maintaining the integrity of the assessment. Licensed appraisers follow strict guidelines and methodologies to determine fair market value, making unsolicited opinions or pressure tactics counterproductive. Trust the professional process for reliable results.

Final Tips

• Be honest about significant issues if asked, but don’t overshare irrelevant details.
• Focus on providing factual information and let the appraiser do their job without interference.
• Understand that appraisers are bound by confidentiality and will not discuss the value of your home with you directly.