What not to tell
a home appraiser.

Avoid asking for a particular value.

“I need the house to appraise for at least this much” or “Please get the value as high as possible” puts the focus on your desired outcome. Explain why you need the appraisal and any deadline instead.

A sale, a family transfer and an estate can involve different questions. Share the purpose of the report and the date the value needs to reflect. If an attorney or tax adviser is involved, pass along their appraisal instructions; ask them for legal or tax advice.

Offer a sale to consider, not a number to match.

“The house down the street sold for more” is a starting point for a question, not a conclusion about your home. If you have the address and sale details, provide them and explain why you think the property is similar.

The same care applies to an online estimate or a neighbor’s appraisal. You can ask about a difference, but those numbers do not establish the value of your property. Leave room for the appraiser to evaluate the homes, their condition and the relevant dates.

Do not ask the appraiser to exclude foreclosures, short sales or other sales simply because they might lower the result. Let the appraiser explain which information is relevant.

Describe the work. Bring the paperwork.

You can say that you did work yourself. A useful explanation includes what changed, when it was completed, and any receipts, plans or permits you have. Be clear about work that is unfinished or for which you do not have records.

A list of improvements gives the appraiser something to review. It does not promise that the home’s value will increase by the amount you spent.

Be open about problems and access.

Tell the appraiser about known issues, such as a leak, foundation concerns or an addition without permit records. Explain what you know and what remains uncertain. Do not cover up damage or describe an unresolved problem as repaired.

Arrange access to the areas the appraiser needs to see. Mention locked rooms, pets or access difficulties before the visit. Be available for questions and give the appraiser space to measure, observe and take notes.

What to have ready instead.

• The purpose and date: why you need the appraisal, the date the value should reflect and any requested delivery date.
• A short improvement list: what was done, approximate completion dates and the documents you have.
• Known condition issues: repairs, unfinished work and questions about the property’s records.
• Relevant property information: plans, sale details or other records you want the appraiser to consider.
• An access plan: who will be there and how to reach all necessary areas.

If you do not have every document, explain what is missing and ask what would help. There is no need to guess at facts you cannot confirm.

It is fine to ask questions.

You can ask what the visit involves, which documents are useful and how to raise a factual concern. If you spot an error or have additional information, ask how to submit it for review. Keep the conversation focused on the property and the evidence.

For a Cherry Hill property, start with the address and the reason you need a value. Fees and availability require a quote.

Discuss a residential appraisal or request a written quote.