"If the comps are strong and recent though, I'd say it's definitely worth a shot to push back...just don't expect miracles."
Agreed—solid comps are key. Another angle worth considering is the condition and quality of interior finishes. I've seen appraisers overlook significant upgrades or custom features that genuinely add value. If you have detailed documentation or receipts for recent renovations, especially higher-end materials or custom installations, presenting these clearly can sometimes help nudge the appraisal upward. It won't always move the needle dramatically, but every bit helps in these situations.
Had a similar issue last year—appraiser totally overlooked the custom cabinetry and quartz countertops we'd installed. Sent over receipts and before/after pics, and it actually nudged things up slightly. Didn't change the game completely, but definitely worth the effort imo.
"Sent over receipts and before/after pics, and it actually nudged things up slightly."
Had something similar happen when we refinished our basement—appraiser completely missed the built-in shelving and upgraded flooring. I put together a quick PDF with before/after shots and itemized costs. Didn't magically solve everything, but it nudged the appraisal enough to ease the sting a bit. Definitely worth the extra hour or two of effort...especially when you've stretched your budget to make those upgrades count.
Had something similar happen when we refinished our basement—appraiser completely missed the built-in shelving and upgraded flooring. I put together a quick PDF with before/after shots and item...
Had a similar experience when we redid our kitchen. The appraiser initially overlooked the upgraded countertops and custom cabinetry—pretty frustrating after all the effort (and money!) we'd put in. Like you, I sent over a quick breakdown with before/after pics and receipts. Didn't completely close the gap, but it definitely helped. Seems like appraisers sometimes just need a gentle reminder of what's actually changed...
Like you, I sent over a quick breakdown with before/after pics and receipts. Didn't completely close the gap, but it definitely helped.
Had a similar issue when we upgraded our master bath. The appraiser completely overlooked the heated floors and custom tile work—pretty baffling considering how obvious it was. I did exactly what you guys mentioned, sent over some before/after photos and a quick breakdown of costs. It didn't fix everything, but it definitely nudged the appraisal in the right direction. Seems like sometimes they just rush through and miss the details...
