Even though lenders hire appraisers, there are still steps you can take to improve the quality of your appraisal. Get your money’s worth and ensure that the appraiser has a residential appraiser certification and a professional designation. Many states make then names of appraisers that have been disciplined online. You can check to make sure their name is not on that list. Tell the lender to find an appraiser that lives in your county, where they will be familiar with the local market. Push back if the appraisal comes in too low. Check the comps and then ask the appraiser to use more recent comps. Ask the lender for a second opinion.