Should the Home Owner Accompany the Appraiser on the Inspection?

The doorbell rings.  On the front porch stands the appraiser you were expecting.  She explains that she will first measure the home from the exterior and then will need to walk through each room on the inside.  The questions in your mind are: What do you want me to do? Do you need help? Should I go with you?  These are all great questions, and the answer is: it depends.

Appraisers are used to doing things on their own.  A fair number of homes we inspect are vacant, so our tools are set up for solo use.  Everyone at our firm has a laser measuring device so there is not even a ‘dumb end’ of the tape to hold.  In other words, we appreciate the offer for help, but it is not usually needed.

On the other hand, it is nice to have someone with us who knows more about the house than we do.  Pointing out updates and features that are not readily seen can be helpful to the appraiser.

Every appraiser has a personal preference when it comes to home owner participation.  Some of us like to have them in tow and others would prefer to focus on the task at hand without interruption.  It is simply a matter of preference.  However, it is not really about our opinion when it comes to this matter.  It is more about you.

Having a stranger walk through your home can be an intimidating experience.  Some desire to accompany the appraiser and others would rather the appraiser just do it alone.  At Appraisal Precision and Consulting Group, we want you to do whatever feels best to you.  There are pros and cons to both.  In the end, it is your home.  You are in charge.

Courtesy of Appraisal Precision and Consulting Group