While I think things vary by market and city, it’s worth bringing up the age-old debate of whether or not to meet the appraiser at the home you’ve listed.

My opinion is yes. Yes, absolutely, every time.

The debate comes in because some agents are of the school that it is not ethical to try and “sway” an appraiser. To which I agree. You have to let them do their job.

However, on the other side of that shiny coin could be a really well versed real estate agent who has listed a property in a market and area they know inside and out. Why not share that knowledge with the appraiser?

At the property:

“Oh hi, thanks for coming out. Let me get the door open for you” (but you’ve already been in there and turned on the lights making sure the property looks its best).

“Also, I put together this packet for you just to be helpful. Use whatever information you feel is warranted.”

Then back off and let them do their job.

In the packet I have:

• A cover letter overviewing the market in that zip code and any indicators of market strength that aren’t obvious.

• A copy of the offer.

• The top 3 comparable homes that support the offer price.

• Any information on the offer experience, i.e. if there were multiple offers that were driving demand, etc.

• A business card.

Exercise:

1. Let’s get prepared for your next listing. Put together a template version of an appraisal packet.

As I said, this is simply an opinion. When I meet an appraiser, I feel that I am being a professional and showing them that the price we arrived at was truly market value, and that the buyer’s agent and I were not just shooting from the hip. The last thing anyone needs is to have a deal fall apart because of a lending contingency!

I’d love to hear your thoughts on meeting the appraiser. Do you have a hard stance on it? Do people do this in your market? Should they? Leave me a comment below.

Until then, chin up, keep your feet moving … and burn the white flag.

sz

Copyright 2019 - Shelley Zavitz Realty