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Appraiser Independence

The National Association of REALTORS® strongly supports the independence of appraisers and the appraisal process. The role of the appraiser is to provide an independent and impartial analysis of real property. Compromising independence impacts the quality of appraisal reports, adding risk for both consumers and lenders.

Read NAR's issue brief on this topic: Issue Brief: Appraiser Independence

Residential Appraisal Process: FAQs for Agents was developed by NAR’s Real Property Valuation Committee for agents who are interested in educating prospective homebuyers about appraisals. NAR has found that confusion persists about appraisal regulations, especially those that affect how real estate agents and their clients communicate with appraisers.  Frequently asked questions include “Can I speak to the appraiser?” and “What kind of information should I provide to the appraiser?”

Real estate practitioners may be uncertain about the most appropriate way to engage with appraisers under new and evolving rules. In this REALTOR® Magazine webinar, Anna Ruotolo of RPM Mortgage discusses what questions to ask of appraisers, what kind of information you should give them, and what to do if you believe an appraisal is inaccurate.

What can REALTORS® do to help the appraisal process go more smoothly? How have new regulations put in place after the housing market downturn changed the appraisal process? These two links from local REALTOR® Associations address these questions. The first is an article from Illinois REALTOR® Magazine entitled Don't Let the Appraisal Derail the Sale. The second is a white paper from the Michigan Association of REALTORS® about appraiser geographic competency.

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