Appraiser’s reply

Re “Homeowners Have a Hand in Getting Fair Market Value From Appraisers” (Oct. 26): Robert Bruss feels that an appraiser is “unlikely to arrive at an accurate estimate of a home’s current market value if they are an out-of-the-area appraiser.” Most of my peers as well as myself appraise in varying cities within a general area. This is a very misleading statement to the public, who will now not be sure an out-of-the-area appraiser can do the job well.

Then he notes, “If the property is messy, the appraiser is likely to have a negative viewpoint even though the clutter really doesn’t affect the home’s fair market value,” leading the public to believe appraisers are rigid idiots. We’re not. I overlook unfolded laundry, dishes in the sink and toys in the living room ... cat boxes in the kitchen, sticky floors and trash cans in my measuring path.

Please tell Bruss he is not helping the relationship between appraisers and the public as well as appraisers and brokers.

Elisabeth

Bernhart-Chatfelter

Lake Hughes