Steps you can take to get a good appraisal!
Since the new regulations don’t ensure that you will get a fair and/or accurate appraisal, it’s important that you, the homeowner, know what you can do. If you are refinancing, it would be a good idea to talk to an experienced realtor about property values and comparables for your home.
After finding out as much as you can about recent sales, talk to your neighbors and find out if there were any unusual circumstances surrounding recent sales, such as a homeowner that was out of work trying to avoid foreclosure, short sales, a couple divorcing, etc.
If you find properties with good sales prices that are reasonable comparables for your home, be sure to note them down and share the list with the appraiser.
Curb appeal helps—appraisers are not evaluating your housekeeping skill but you want your home to appear in its best light just as you would if you were having an open house. Yard and flower beds should look tended and tidy.
Once the appraisal is complete, you are entitled to a copy, even if you paid for it through a lender. Review it carefully. Make sure the details regarding the square footage, rooms, and features are accurate.
If you find mistakes or other items to question, contact the appraiser directly and ask him/her to correct and/or explain their assessment. If the value is lower than you expected and you have your list of good comparables, review them again with the appraiser and ask for an explanation of why they weren’t included or ask for them to be included in the valuation. If the appraiser is not willing to make corrections or updates to the original report, you can file a complaint with your state’s real estate appraisal board.