What Not to Tell a Home Appraiser

Avoid pressure about the result

Statements such as "make the value as high as possible" ask the appraiser to work toward an outcome rather than follow the evidence. Explain why the report is needed and provide the relevant documents. The purpose helps define the assignment; it does not determine the value.

You can share sales and ask questions

A prior appraisal, online estimate or nearby sale may use different information, dates or assumptions. If you share one, include its date, purpose and source where known. The appraiser can decide whether it helps answer the current question.

A deed or tax record can help identify a Cumberland County property by municipality, block and lot. Our county property guide links to records. Share a survey, permits or dated photographs if you have them; you can call even if a document is missing.

Be open about property condition

Disclose known defects and repairs. Do not hide foundation concerns, water damage, unpermitted additions or other material issues. Provide the facts and any supporting documents, rather than deciding which information might raise or lower the result.

Records of improvements, permits and repair dates can help explain what the appraiser observes. If the report values a past date, distinguish the condition then from later work.

How to raise a concern about a report

If the report appears to omit a bathroom or misstate a sale, identify the page and specific fact and provide a supporting record if available. For a lender-ordered appraisal, ask the lender about its review process. For a private assignment, discuss the question with the person who engaged the appraiser. A correction request does not promise a change in value.

Prior appraisals can contain useful property information. Explain their dates and purposes instead of presenting an earlier value as a required result.

What to share instead

Bring a short factual list of improvements, dates, permits or plans, known damage and repairs. Offer potentially relevant sales for the appraiser to evaluate. If you think a report contains an error, ask about the proper review or correction process rather than trying to negotiate the value.