Should I walk around with the appraiser?

An appraisal isn’t like a buyer showing, so you don’t need to disappear, but you also don’t want to hover. The appraiser’s job is to objectively assess the condition and features of your property compared to recent sales. It’s perfectly appropriate to greet them, provide any pertinent information (such as a list of recent upgrades or permits) and answer questions, then give them space to walk through and take measurements. If you have pets or small children, it’s best to secure them so the appraiser can move freely and focus on their work. Staying out of the way but remaining available if they need clarification strikes the right balance; most appraisers appreciate homeowners who are organized, cooperative and not overly intrusive.

You don’t need to walk around with the appraiser. Their job is to come up with an independent value for your home, so it’s best to give them space. Just make sure your home looks its best and that your Realtor gives them a list of updates and recent sales, (in case the appraiser missed one or two), to help support the value. Usually, the listing agent meets them and answers any questions.

Don’t follow them around, they like their space and want to complete their work accurately. Be polite, available, and let the appraiser do their job. It’s helpful to provide a list of upgrades, permits, and recent improvements, then step back unless they have questions.

This is not necessary as it is not an inspection. Just let them do their thing and before you know it, it's over. Appraisals are VERY quick. Keith Jean-Pierre Managing Principal The Dapper Agents Operations In: NY, NJ, FL & CA

You don’t need to hover over an appraiser during a home appraisal. They are a neutral third party hired by your buyer’s lender to document the condition and features of the home. Your role is simply to provide access, make sure the home is clean and accessible, and share a list of recent upgrades or key features. Once you’ve let them in and offered any relevant information, let them do their work. You can stay on the property, but give them space so they aren’t distracted. It’s not like an open house where you should leave altogether – just be available if they have questions and then let the process unfold.

Hi Ben, an appraisal isn't quite like a buyer showing, but it's also not something you need to supervise closely. The appraiser's job is to independently verify the property's condition, size and features for the lender. Here are a few tips: • Be there to provide access and answer questions. You can greet the appraiser, give them a list of any recent upgrades or permits, and point out features they might miss. This can help ensure they understand the full value of your home. • Then let them do their work. Appraisers need to take measurements and photos and often prefer to move through the home without someone hovering. You don't need to shadow them as they walk through the property. You can tidy up and make sure pets are secured, but it's okay to wait in one room or step outside if that makes you more comfortable. • Unlike a buyer showing, you don't have to leave entirely unless you just prefer to. If you do leave, make sure the appraiser has a way to lock up when they finish. Ultimately, make the home easy to access, supply any documentation that supports your value, and then give the appraiser space to complete their inspection. That strikes the right balance between being helpful and respectful of their process.

You don’t need to walk around with the appraiser, and in most cases it’s better not to. The best role for a homeowner during an appraisal is to be prepared and available and then give them space to do their job. Appraisers need to inspect the property, take measurements, note condition, and compare it objectively to recent sales. Following them room to room can sometimes feel like pressure, even if that’s not your intention. What I usually recommend is having the home clean and accessible, making sure lights are on, pets are secured, and any upgrades or recent improvements are written down in a simple list. If you’ve replaced the roof, remodeled a kitchen, added HVAC, or done major work, that information can be helpful. Then greet them, answer any questions they have, hand them the update list if appropriate, and let them work. I’ve found that a professional appraiser will ask for anything they need. You don’t need to “sell” them on the house like a showing. The sweet spot is helpful but not hovering. Be available, be courteous, and let the property speak for itself.

Appraisers are just people, and their job is to objectively evaluate the property—but that doesn’t mean you can’t be helpful. You don’t need to follow them around like a showing, and you don’t have to leave either. The best approach is to be available, but not overbearing. It can be very helpful to highlight the positives of your home and provide a short list of recent comparable sales, upgrades, or anything that supports the value. This gives the appraiser context on why the property sold at the price it did. Think of your role as supportive—not salesy—just making sure they have all the information they need.

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.

In California, it’s usually better for the listing agent to meet the appraiser rather than the seller being present. Here’s why: 1. The Listing Agent Can Advocate for the Property Your agent can provide the appraiser with helpful information such as: • A list of recent comparable sales • Upgrades and improvements (with costs and dates) • Unique features that might not be obvious • Neighborhood insights the appraiser may not know This helps ensure the appraiser has the most accurate data to support the value. 2. Sellers Can Accidentally Influence the Process Appraisers are trained to remain independent. If a seller is present: • It can sometimes feel like pressure, even if unintended. • Sellers may point out things emotionally that don’t affect value. Agents are more experienced at presenting information professionally and concisely. 3. The Appraiser May Want Space Often the appraiser will say something like: “Thanks for letting me in — I’ll take it from here.” Agents typically: • Let them in • Provide the information packet • Answer questions • Then step out while measurements/photos are taken 4. Best Practice in California Transactions Most experienced listing agents will: • Meet the appraiser • Bring a “Appraiser Packet” • Highlight upgrades and comps supporting the contract price This can make a big difference if the value is close.

You don’t need to follow the appraiser during the entire visit, but you should be present and available. Think of it as a balance between being helpful and giving them space to work. Here’s the Best Approach 1. Be There to Greet Them Welcome the appraiser when they arrive, introduce yourself, and offer a quick overview of the home. Have any upgrades, updates, or improvements written down, things like a new roof, furnace, windows, or finished basement. This gives them helpful context before they start. 2. Give Them Space to Do Their Job Once the inspection begins, let them move through the home freely. Appraisers need to measure rooms, take photos, and make notes without distraction. Hovering can unintentionally add pressure or slow them down. 3. Be Available for Questions Stay nearby in case they want to ask about property details, utility systems, or updates. You can stay in one area (like the kitchen or living room) so they know where to find you. 4. Provide Key Documents If you have a list of recent improvements, permits, or a copy of a recent survey or floor plan, offer it at the start or end of the visit. These details help ensure your home’s full value is represented. 5. Keep the Home Clean and Well Lit It’s not a showing, but first impressions still matter. A tidy home communicates pride of ownership, which can positively influence how your property is perceived. The Bottom Line You don’t need to follow the appraiser, but being polite, prepared, and available goes a long way. Offer your information up front, then give them room to complete their inspection efficiently.

Probably not. The appraiser needs quiet time to focus, without distraction or pressure to move from one room to another. Most of them do not like to be accompanied, even by your Realtor, and it's always a good idea to keep all the people in your transaction's eco-system, on your good side. That said, a listing agent should provide the appraiser with a package of comparable properties, a detailed list of recent updates, and a brief synopsis of how the transaction went - if there were multiple offers, that's especially important for the appraiser to know. If someone has to be there, that's ok but not preferred; just advise them to stay out of the appraiser's way.

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.

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!

I don't advise you walk around with any inspectors or appraisers. They're usually very competent and able to do their job without our assistance.

My role is to have the home ready for the appraisal as if it was a showing. I also provide a list of upgrades and then stay out of the way

As a Seller, no that is not your role but I do feel that your agent should be present, supply comps and show why your home should be valued at the sales price or above. This is a time your agent should "sell" your home again.