True or False: You Can Choose Your Own Appraiser

When buying a home, the appraisal is a crucial step—it determines the fair market value of the property and ensures the lender isn’t financing more than the home is worth. But do you get to choose the appraiser? Let’s find out!

The Answer: False! ❌

While you might think you have a say in selecting the appraiser, the reality is that lenders are required to use a third-party appraisal management company (AMC) to assign an appraiser. This process ensures the appraisal remains fair, unbiased, and compliant with federal regulations.

Why Can’t You Pick Your Own Appraiser?

1️⃣ To Prevent Conflicts of Interest

Years ago, there were concerns about inflated home values due to close relationships between buyers, sellers, lenders, and appraisers. Today, regulations ensure the process is independent and fair.

2️⃣ Lender Requirements

Mortgage lenders need an objective property valuation before approving a loan. Since they’re financing the purchase, they must order the appraisal themselves through a neutral third party.

3️⃣ Federal Regulations

Laws like the Home Valuation Code of Conduct (HVCC) and Dodd-Frank Act established rules preventing lenders, buyers, and sellers from directly selecting or influencing appraisers.

What If You Disagree with the Appraisal?

If the appraisal comes in lower than expected, you have a few options:

🔹 Request a review – If you believe the appraisal contains errors, your lender may request a reconsideration.

🔹 Get a second opinion – In some cases, you may be able to pay for a second appraisal, but the lender still has to order it.

🔹 Renegotiate the purchase price – If the appraisal is lower than the agreed price, you might negotiate with the seller to lower the price.

🔹 Cover the difference – If allowed, you can pay the difference between the appraised value and the purchase price out of pocket.

Bottom Line

📌 False – You can’t choose your own appraiser, but the process is designed to keep things fair. If you have concerns about an appraisal, your lender can help guide you on your options!

👉 Have questions about appraisals or the mortgage process? Let’s chat!

Rich Seiler Jr. Mortgage Loan Originator

Rich Seiler Jr. is a Licensed Mortgage Professional of Shupe Lending Group NMLS ID# 2478065. Many of the borrowers of Shupe Lending Group are individuals who did not qualify at other lenders due to those lenders' overlays on government and conventional loans. We have a reputation of being able to work with over 270 different lenders to be able to offer out clients dozens of non-QM and alternative financing loan programs. Any non-QM mortgage loan program available in the market will be offered by our team at Shupe Lending Group. Our team is available 7 days a week, evenings, weekends, and holidays.