One common assumption appraisers see is that copies of the appraisal report come to you from the appraiser. But the appraisal is one thing, and delivery of the report is another.

Actually, only the appraisal ordering company or entity that can receive the appraisal from the appraiser. This rule is to protect the integrity of the appraisal process. Only with written authorization from the client company, can the appraisal be released to another party.

But doesn't payment make me the client? Actually, no. The client is not necessarily who pays for the appraisal - it is always who orders the appraisal. This is a unique feature of the real estate appraisal profession, and it's actually designed, once again, to protect the integrity of the process for both buyer and seller on these significant transactions.