I don’t get it. I recently sold two houses and never once met the appraiser. Does Kalifornia do it differently? How do you have someone else pose as the owners? Something doesn’t smell right here.
When we were applying for a loan for our current house, we met the appraiser. Our races were reversed from this story, and he gave us a lower value than we expected, though, not by a large amount, just $30K or so. Never figured it out, but we had no choice. It’s who the lending agency sent.
I’ve bought seven homes. I’ve never met the surveyors, inspectors or appraisers. I just get reports and bills. Yep, something odd going on here.
When I sold a property, the appraiser came over while I was there. All she did was a quick walkthrough, and then her appraisal was based on the selling price for similar properties in the area.
My Dad was an appraiser in LA area in 70s and 80s. I went on hundreds of appraisals with him acting as navigator on weekends. The thing that should dominate the calculation are comparable sales.
As for never meeting the appraiser. I have met them every time I refinanced. It differs from state to state I think.