Altermatt Appraisal Services LLC

I had placed a bid on a home in Holland, OH. The bid was accepted and my mortgage broker had an FHA certified appraisal completed prior to the underwriting of the bank loan. Rather unexpectedly, the appraised value of the home was $30k less then the county auditors appraisal from a year ago. I had two direct contacts with the appraiser. The first contact was by phone prior to submission of the appraisal. It was to receive payment for his services. His introduction was brief with no discussion on how the appraisal went. My account was then charged twice for the appraisal. This was rectified quickly, though. The second contact with the appraiser was via e-mail. I had reviewed the appraisal which seemed to largely depend upon comparables in the region. I expressed concern that the comparables used did not hit the mark when compared to the development, amenities, and convenience of the property in question. I included satellite imagery to further support that assertion. The response received stated that no specifics could be discussed without written consent from my mortgage broker. When I contacted my broker, he told me had spoken with the appraiser. Further, when he questioned the appraiser about the property value he was asked: "Are you an appraiser?" The conversation did not evolve much beyond that. Finally, the day the appraiser went for to examine the property, he did not even introduce himself to the seller(s). He showed up, looked through the home, and left without saying more the a few words. It is a shame that basic courtesy seems to have escaped this individual.