How to Deal With Home Appraisers

"We're always getting pressure from brokers who want a property to be appraised at a certain figure to make the deal work," Evans says. "That's the nature of the business. If the value isn't there in a property, I'm not going to make it up. But there are brokers who give their business to some poorly trained appraisers who will hit the figures the brokers need because they need the business."

A wide range of state and national appraisers associations work to encourage continuing education and certification for real estate appraisers, as well as education for the property buying public. "We're not out here to squash your dream home," Evans says. "We're trying to help the process along."

For those who are waiting for the appraiser to show, hoping he or she is in a good mood and thinking optimistically about real estate before they drive up, is there anything you can do to influence their decision? (Short of handing over a fat roll of Franklins?)

"A person's attitude can make a difference," says Steve Miller, a Chicago appraiser. "We know they want a good high price, whether they're selling it or going through a refinance," he says. "It's best to be friendly, let them in, show them around, and tie up your big dogs!"

"I always say to people, there's nothing on the appraisal form that says whether you're a good housekeeper or not," Evans says. "We're not looking at furniture or judging the art on your walls. We're looking for improvements and damage."