Interesting... I see your point, but honestly, it can be a bit of a gamble. I've heard stories where appraisers were totally open to reconsidering once presented with solid comps, just like you described:
"I approached the appraiser politely with some solid comps I'd found. Honestly, I was pretty nervous about it..."
But I've also known situations where the appraiser took it personally—like you're questioning their expertise or something. It probably depends a lot on their personality and how confident they are in their initial assessment. Still, I think if you're respectful and frame it as a collaborative discussion rather than a challenge, you've got a decent shot at seeing some movement. Plus, when we're talking luxury homes, even small adjustments can make a huge difference financially. Worst-case scenario, you've at least gained some insight into how they arrived at their number... right?
I had something similar happen when we built our place. I gently brought up comps I'd found, and the appraiser actually appreciated it—said it helped clarify things. Guess it really is a toss-up depending on who you get...
"Guess it really is a toss-up depending on who you get..."
Yeah, that's been my experience too. Appraisers are human, after all, and some are definitely more open to input than others. One thing I've found helpful is providing a detailed breakdown of any upgrades or custom features that might not be obvious at first glance—like higher-end insulation, energy-efficient windows, or specialized framing techniques. Sometimes those details can nudge the appraisal closer to your expectations. Worth a shot anyway...
Yeah, totally relate to this. When we built our place, the appraisal came in lower than we'd hoped too. We ended up doing exactly what you mentioned—highlighting some of the less obvious upgrades like radiant floor heating and upgraded insulation. It didn't magically solve everything, but it did help bump things up a bit closer to reality. Hang in there...appraisals can be frustrating, but you're definitely not alone in dealing with this stuff.
Totally get why you'd highlight those upgrades, but honestly, appraisers don't always give much credit for stuff like radiant floors or extra insulation. Had a client once who went all-in on high-end windows and energy-efficient systems—barely moved the needle on appraisal day. Sometimes it seems like appraisers stick too rigidly to comps and square footage, ignoring quality upgrades. Not saying it's pointless to point them out, just that expectations should be realistic...appraisals can be pretty stubborn.
