It's very often the case that nearby homes' sale prices or conditions can unexpectedly sway your home appraisal. When several homes in your area sell for below-market value, perhaps due to foreclosure or being sold 'as is,' it can bring down the comps that appraisers use to estimate your home's value. There were a lot of times I've witnessed this factor surprisingly reducing appraisal values, even though the properties had been meticulously maintained. My tip for others is to keep an eye on recent sales in your neighborhood and, if possible, highlight any unique qualities or upgrades in your home that might set it apart from the local market trends. This way, you can make sure the appraiser sees the value beyond just the comps.