Appraisal Tips

Applicable appraisal tips are hard to find, so we’ve collected some here for you. The first and most important principle of getting a good appraisal is good communication. An open line of communication won’t change the dollar value of the appraisal. That would be illegal. But an open line of communication can and will make you more informed on why you’re getting the appraisal you are. For a something simple, like jewelry, the appraisal process may be less than an hour, whereas for a property it could take several hours, or even days for large properties.

Some appraisers will want to do the appraisal solo and then have a review session with you, while others may be comfortable walking you through the appraisal process. Whichever method your appraiser chooses is their prerogative, so a good appraisal tip is to respect their decision. Getting contentious with your appraiser is never the road to a happy appraisal process.

Lastly, while bribery is against the law, and will get both you and your appraiser in a lot of trouble, it is ok to tip the appraiser after the appraisal has been completed. Trying to tip before that point is a good way to have your appraiser walk away and call an investigator on you. Of course, this type of thing is more prevalent in the high stakes real estate market than other markets such as jewelry, but it’s important to keep in mind no matter what you’re getting appraised.