Let’s stop pretending this is a mystery.
Over 90% of purchase appraisals come in at—or above—the contract price.
Only about 7–9% actually come in below.
Which means in the eyes of lenders, GSEs, and policymakers…
The appraisal isn’t an independent opinion.
It’s a formality.
So what’s the natural next step?
Waivers.
AVMs.
“Alternative” valuation models that don’t need an appraiser—because apparently the contract is always right.
Now pause and ask yourself:
Why is this happening?
Because the industry has quietly trained appraisers to confirm value instead of challenge it.
Push too hard and you get revisions.
Come in low and you get an ROV—or worse, a complaint.
Miss the number too often? You’re off the panel.
So now we’re here:
A profession built on independence and public trust…
Reduced to checking the box that keeps the loan moving.
And if we’re being honest?
If appraisers won’t offer a true opinion of value—why shouldn’t the GSEs replace us with algorithms?
This isn’t about being bitter. It’s about being honest.
We didn’t get here overnight. But if we keep nodding along, we’re going to nod ourselves right out of the profession.
Want to protect the future of this work?
Start by making it worth protecting.
#Appraisers #ValuationTruth #PublicTrust #AppraisalWaivers #IndustryWakeUpCall #UAD36 #RealTalk
Hardesty Appraisals 