Do home appraisals usually come in at the asking price?

An appraisal is an independent opinion of market value, not a confirmation of the asking or contract price. Mortgage appraisals are ordered so the lender can understand the collateral risk behind the loan, so an appraisal that comes in above or below the contract price does not mean the appraisal is flawed. Comparable sales in the neighborhood, not the listing price, drive the value conclusion.