When dealing with a property appraiser—whether for a home, commercial building, or land—what you say can impact the appraisal, even unintentionally. Here’s a simple guide on what not to say:
What Not to Say to an Appraiser
- “We want it to be worth X amount.”
- Appraisers need to remain objective. Telling them your desired value can seem like pressure to inflate the appraisal.
- “The neighbors’ homes sold for much more.”
- They already consider comparable sales. Overstating value won’t help and may backfire.
- “We just need this to qualify for the loan.”
- Appraisers are independent and cannot adjust values based on loan requirements.
- “We’ve spent a lot on renovations.”
- While upgrades matter, appraisers will evaluate their actual contribution to market value. Avoid implying that money spent automatically equals higher value.
- “Don’t worry, it’s worth a lot more than that.”
- Trying to influence their opinion is seen as unprofessional and could compromise the process.
- “You can ignore that damage/issue.”
- Appraisers are required to note condition. Asking them to ignore flaws can create problems.
- “Just make it high so we can sell/get the loan.”
- Never suggest manipulating the value—it’s unethical and illegal.
✅ Tip: The best approach is to be polite, cooperative, and provide accurate information about the property without trying to influence the final value. Let the appraiser do their job objectively.
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Here’s a simple table you can use when dealing with an appraiser:
| Do Say | Don’t Say |
|---|---|
| “Here’s a list of recent upgrades and improvements.” | “We spent $50,000 on renovations, so it must be worth more.” |
| “The property has these features and amenities.” | “Ignore that minor damage—it doesn’t matter.” |
| “Here are comparable properties and recent sales we’re aware of.” | “Our neighbors’ homes sold for way more—our house is worth that too.” |
| “We’re happy to answer any questions about the property.” | “We need the appraisal to be at least X dollars.” |
| “Please let us know if you need access to anything.” | “Just make the value high so we can get the loan/sell fast.” |
| “Thank you for your time and expertise.” | “Don’t worry about any issues—it’s fine.” |
This keeps you professional, cooperative, and avoids any accidental influence on the appraisal outcome.