When a Property Owner Wants to Do the Appraiser's Job
Q: "I know this is a strange question, but it has been nagging at me and I am not sure what to do. I was assigned a refinance appraisal on a tenant-occupied property. My contact was the owner, and the plan was that I would meet him at the home while he notified the tenant and arranged for her to let me in.
When I arrived, the owner was there and could not have been nicer. He walked me through the property while I took photos, and I noticed he was carrying an envelope with papers. After I finished the exterior photos and measurements, he led me into the garage where there was a workbench. He opened the envelope, which contained an appraisal and a stack of photos.
He explained that his tenant is a nice lady but has issues with strangers and does not like letting people inside. So, according to him, he went through the entire house himself a few days earlier, taking photos of every room and doing measurements. He had essentially done all of my work for me—“just like he did for the other guy last year.” He handed me the prior appraisal, his sketch, and all of his photos, making it clear what he wanted: for me to complete the appraisal without ever entering the house.
While he kept talking about his tenant, I told him I could not complete the report without going inside. He tried to coax me, saying I should think it over because “the other guy did it last year,” and he kept pressing the old appraisal into my hand.
I stayed polite but firm. I told him I was sorry, but I could not do the appraisal without an interior inspection. Then I left.
What has been bothering me is that I know the appraiser who signed the report he showed me. How could he have completed it without ever going inside? I feel like I should do something, but I do not know what. I also don’t feel like I have enough evidence.
A: I don’t think there is anything you can do in this situation. It doesn’t sound like you were actually given the report or the photos, so all you have is what the owner told you. I imagine the parties involved would deny it if questioned.
The important thing is that you handled yourself correctly. You recognized something wasn’t right, you stood your ground, and you walked away. That was absolutely the right call.
As for the other appraiser, while it may be concerning, without evidence there is nothing further you can pursue. The best course of action is to remain focused on your own compliance and continue to demonstrate professional integrity in situations like this.
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