When two agents give you different price ranges, it's natural to prefer the higher one. The danger is treating a hopeful number as money already in your pocket.
Why can two appraisals be so different?
Agents may choose different sales, place different weight on renovations or land, read buyer demand differently, or suggest different launch plans. Sometimes one agent has better proof. Sometimes one is simply more willing to promise a bigger result.
The question isn't, “Who gave me the number I liked?” It's, “Which range can I check?”
1. Look at homes that actually sold
Ask each agent to show recent sales that buyers would truly compare with your home. A nearby sale isn't automatically a useful comparison. Property type, land, layout, condition, position and timing all matter.
2. Ask them to explain the differences
A list of sold homes is only the start. The agent should explain why your property may sit above, below or around each sale. If every difference somehow makes your home worth more, ask tougher questions.
3. Check what buyers can choose today
Past sales show what happened. Homes for sale now show what your buyers can inspect today. A high range becomes harder to defend when buyers have stronger options at the same price.
4. Put the range and reasons in writing
Ask for the likely range, the key sales, what else is for sale and the reasons behind the opinion. This makes it easier to compare the proposals after the meetings are over.
Does the highest appraisal mean the agent is dishonest?
No. The highest appraisal may have the strongest proof. It may reflect a real feature another agent missed. The checker helps you find the questions—it doesn't accuse anyone or predict your final sale price.
What should you do when the gap is large?
Don't average the two numbers and hope. Ask both agents to defend the gap using the same proof. If the answer is still unclear, get a property-specific review before choosing the launch price or signing anything.
The goal isn't the lowest appraisal. It's a range you understand, can check and can connect to a sensible sale plan.