Short answer
No to choosing, yes to sharing facts. Federal rules (Regulation Z) bar anyone in a mortgage from pressuring or influencing an appraiser's value, and for FHA loans HUD has the lender or its authorized agent select, retain and pay the appraiser. You, your real estate agent or your lender can still provide relevant property information, such as recent updates, and ask the appraiser to consider it.
Who picks the appraiser?
For FHA loans, HUD's Handbook 4000.1 says the lender, or a third party it authorizes such as an appraisal management company, selects, retains and pays the appraiser. It can't let the appraiser be selected or managed by a mortgage broker or by commissioned loan staff. Fannie Mae also requires lenders to follow its Appraiser Independence Requirements. This keeps the value independent of anyone who earns money when the loan closes, including your loan officer.
What does Regulation Z prohibit?
Under 12 CFR 1026.42(c), no one involved in the loan may try to make the value depend on anything other than the appraiser's independent judgment, through coercion, bribery, intimidation, instruction or collusion. The official commentary says asking an appraiser to consider additional, appropriate property information isn't a violation, because it doesn't replace their judgment. Lenders also must pay fee appraisers a customary and reasonable rate for the area.
What if I disagree with the value?
You'll get a copy of the appraisal before closing. If you think it missed something, ask your lender about a reconsideration of value. See if the appraisal comes in low and documents you're entitled to see.
Sources
- 12 CFR 1026.42, Valuation independence (Regulation Z, CFPB, with official interpretations)
- HUD Single Family Housing Policy Handbook 4000.1, Update 18 (August 2026), Appraiser Independence
- Fannie Mae Selling Guide, B4-1.1-02, Lender Responsibilities (06/04/2025)
Checked November 2, 2026. Rules and dates change, so confirm current details before you rely on them.
General information only, not tax or legal advice. Program availability, eligibility and terms vary by lender and are subject to change and to underwriting approval. Not a commitment to lend.