HomeSmart Appraisals

Hired for appraisal on our property due to home sale. A male representative visited our home and a different individual (Marjorie Menard - female) calculated the appraisal. Red flag #1. They claim they do this "all the time" to maintain "objectivity". Huh? Since when is an appraisal objective - don't you need to visit the property and see for yourself how it compares to the market? We had several offers on our home within the first week. Appraisal came in lower than even the lowest offer. We provided a package of all the showing activity, feedback, offers, as well as list of improvements - $28k in total. I understand the tide has turned and appraisals are tight. However, a blatant error was made and the appraiser refused to correct. There was no allowance whatsoever for our recently renovated master bath. According to other appraisers consulted, as well as sources like realtor.com, the rule of thumb is 50-55% for this type of renovation. No credit was given. It impacted us by 10-11k, and when our realtor contested, as well as asked other questions concerning the comps (some of which we have been inside, and are very familiar with what is/isn't in them), the representative Marjorie at times was unable to answer or explain the differences between the properties. She asked to have until the next afternoon to "review her work". By the way, our realtor's call was scheduled for 7pm with Marjorie and she did not reach her until an hour later. This whole experience was completely frustrating and makes me question the competence and ethics of this firm.