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Should I walk around with the appraiser?
We have our home appraisal coming up. I'm wondering what my role is. Should I walk around with them? Or do I just try to avoid them? Or is it like a home showing where I should leave?
Asked By Ben | La Puente, CA | 24 views | Selling | 1 week ago
Answer(3)
Bill Bambrick
William Bambrick, P.A.
If you have a list of improvements made in the last 2-3 years, like roof, windows, mechanical/HVAC, flooring etc. These can all impact your value. This allows the appraiser to know exactly what and the cost of the improvements.
Now this can only aid in their research and valuation - there is no need to interact with them. Your agent should have asked these questions and left this list so they have it as a reference.
Now this can only aid in their research and valuation - there is no need to interact with them. Your agent should have asked these questions and left this list so they have it as a reference.
- 2 days ago
Helpful (0)
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Robin Young
Compass
Great question—and you’re not the first to wonder if you should “tour-guide” the appraiser like it’s an open house. Short answer: as the buyer, you typically do not attend the appraisal. Here’s the California-practical breakdown I can share with you.
The quick take
It’s not a showing. The appraisal is ordered by the lender to confirm value for the loan. The appraiser needs quiet, independent time.
Who’s there? Usually the listing agent (or seller) provides access. I coordinate details from the buyer side and make sure the appraiser has what they need through the proper channels.
Should you walk around with them? No need. Shadowing can feel like pressure and isn’t helpful. Think of it like a home inspection’s opposite: you went deep; now they work independently.
What I do for you (behind the scenes)
I make sure the appraiser gets a clean info packet—usually via the listing side or lender portal—including:
Executed purchase contract (terms, credits, concessions)
Recent, relevant comps and a brief market note (why our comp set makes sense)
And information on Pending Sales as well.
Upgrade/permit highlights the seller provided (roof, HVAC, kitchen, solar details/lease, ADU, etc.)
HOA facts (dues, amenities, special assessments), if applicable
Access notes (detached garage, attic/crawlspace, outbuildings) to avoid missed areas that could affect value.
After the appraisal
Timeline: The report goes back to the lender first. Your loan officer provides results.
If value comes in low: We have options. Common paths:
Request a reconsideration of value with stronger comps/clarifications.
Renegotiate price or credits with the seller.
Adjust loan structure (LTV/DP), or in some cases consider a second opinion depending on loan type and lender policy.
I hope you found this as useful information.
The quick take
It’s not a showing. The appraisal is ordered by the lender to confirm value for the loan. The appraiser needs quiet, independent time.
Who’s there? Usually the listing agent (or seller) provides access. I coordinate details from the buyer side and make sure the appraiser has what they need through the proper channels.
Should you walk around with them? No need. Shadowing can feel like pressure and isn’t helpful. Think of it like a home inspection’s opposite: you went deep; now they work independently.
What I do for you (behind the scenes)
I make sure the appraiser gets a clean info packet—usually via the listing side or lender portal—including:
Executed purchase contract (terms, credits, concessions)
Recent, relevant comps and a brief market note (why our comp set makes sense)
And information on Pending Sales as well.
Upgrade/permit highlights the seller provided (roof, HVAC, kitchen, solar details/lease, ADU, etc.)
HOA facts (dues, amenities, special assessments), if applicable
Access notes (detached garage, attic/crawlspace, outbuildings) to avoid missed areas that could affect value.
After the appraisal
Timeline: The report goes back to the lender first. Your loan officer provides results.
If value comes in low: We have options. Common paths:
Request a reconsideration of value with stronger comps/clarifications.
Renegotiate price or credits with the seller.
Adjust loan structure (LTV/DP), or in some cases consider a second opinion depending on loan type and lender policy.
I hope you found this as useful information.
- 19 hours ago
- Helpful (0)
- Unhelpful (0)
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Julia Pickslay
Real Brokerage
Hi Ben. You should not be home when the appraiser comes. If you need to let him in, then just step away while he/she is working. They will need to take pictures of everything as well. If they have any questions to clarify anything they see, they can ask you but really you should not be home. I do highly recommend that your listing agent be onsite and available to the appraiser. It's ultimately their job to defend the purchase price. Best of luck to you!
- 1 day ago
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