Yes, you can and should be present during your home appraisal. Someone needs to provide access to all rooms, the attic, basement, and exterior -- and being available lets you answer questions about upgrades, maintenance history, and recent improvements that the appraiser might not otherwise know about.
Appraiser Access
For the appraisal to happen, the appraiser needs access to:
- Every room
- Attic (if accessible)
- Basement
- Mechanical systems
- Exterior
You (or someone with keys) need to be present to open doors and provide access.
Your Role
Provide Access: Open doors, unlock gates, let them into spaces they need to see.
Answer Questions: The appraiser will ask about:
- Recent improvements or renovations
- Age of systems (roof, HVAC, water heater, appliances)
- Any issues you're aware of (past flooding, foundation cracks, etc.)
- Square footage
Your answers matter. Be honest.
Don't Influence: Don't follow the appraiser around commenting on everything. Don't try to convince them of value. Don't argue with their assessment of condition.
What NOT To Do
Don't Hover: Let the appraiser work. They need space to measure, photograph, and assess.
Don't Argue: If they note that your roof is aging, don't argue. They might be right. That's their professional judgment.
Don't Pressure: Don't say things like "The bank needs this to appraise high" or "I'm counting on it to appraise at the offer price." That's inappropriate pressure (USPAP violation).
Don't Exaggerate: Don't claim square footage you don't have or improvements you haven't made. Appraisers can usually tell, and it undermines credibility.
Don't Hide Things: If there's a water stain on the ceiling, don't cover it or hide it. Appraisers find these things, and hiding them looks dishonest.
What You SHOULD Do
Be Present: Being home during the appraisal is helpful. They can ask you questions directly.
Be Prepared: Have ready:
- Square footage if you know it
- Age of major systems
- Recent upgrades/improvements
- Any known issues
Be Honest: Answer questions truthfully. If you don't know something, say so.
Be Helpful: Open doors, provide access, answer questions clearly.
Be Quiet: Don't chatter or try to guide their opinion.
Timing
The appraisal usually takes 2-3 hours on-site.
You don't need to stay the whole time. You can:
- Be there at the start to open up
- Run errands in the middle
- Be available for questions
Just make sure you're reachable if they need to ask something.
What They're Documenting
The appraiser is measuring, photographing, and noting:
- Room sizes
- Condition of systems
- Deferred maintenance
- Recent improvements
- Overall property condition
They're not judging you as a homeowner. They're assessing the property.
Common Appraiser Questions
You might be asked:
- "How old is the roof?" — Know if it's recent or aging
- "Has there been any flooding?" — Be honest; they'll see evidence anyway
- "When was the HVAC installed?" — Have recent receipts if available
- "Have you done any major renovations?" — List recent work
- "Are there any structural issues?" — Be honest about cracks, settling, etc.
Should You Try to Influence?
No.
Your job is to provide accurate information and access.
The appraiser's job is to form an independent opinion of value.
Trying to influence that opinion is inappropriate and violates USPAP.
If You Disagree
After the appraisal, if you think it's wrong:
Don't argue with the appraiser.
Do request reconsideration using:
- New comparable sales data
- Photos of recent improvements
- Documentation of recent repairs or updates
That's the proper channel.
Access Without Homeowner
Sometimes the appraiser can access the home without you:
- Real estate agent has keys
- Property is vacant (lockbox on door)
- Appraiser can enter through main door
But on-site questions are harder without you.
Your Options
Option 1: Be Present for Full Inspection: Best if you want to answer questions.
Option 2: Be Present at Start, Then Leave: Open up, answer initial questions, then go.
Option 3: Have Someone Else Present: Realtor, friend, family member can provide access.
Option 4: Leave Keys/Code: Some appraisers accept key codes or lockboxes. Less ideal (limits their ability to ask questions).
The Professional Perspective
As an appraiser, I prefer when homeowners are present. It lets me:
- Ask clarifying questions
- Understand recent improvements
- Get accurate information about systems
- Verify square footage claims
But I can also appraise without them.
It's just easier with them.
Bottom Line
You can be present during appraisal. You should be, ideally.
Your role is to provide access and accurate information.
Not to influence the appraisal outcome.
Be helpful. Be honest. Be present.
That's all you need to do.