Should you be home when the appraiser comes?

No, you do not need to be present when the appraiser visits; the appraiser can complete the interior and exterior inspection without you. If your lender's policies permit, you may attend and share pertinent information, such as a list of permitted improvements and upgrades. Avoid stating the value you need or exaggerating renovations, because attempting to influence the appraisal violates federal appraiser-independence rules; the proper channel for a dispute is a reconsideration of value through your lender.