Appraisals are becoming increasingly more complicated.  New guidelines designed to protect lenders against fraud have recently made the appraisal process more complicated. 

Here are some tips for overcoming the complications:

  • Both the real estate practitioner and the owner should be present for the appraisal to make sure he/she doesn’t miss anything important.
  • Ask questions to determine if the appraiser has identified the correct neighborhood boundaries and if he/she’s comparing the home to similar properties.
  • Bring a copy of a recent tax bill and a survey of the property, and give them to the appraiser.
  • Provide a list of improvements to the home.
  • Offer your professional opinion about what makes this property worth more than other properties in the area along with any documentation available.