Unfortunately its all too common, but don't get me wrong, there are far more good guys than bad. At least I like to think so. A couple years ago a local TV station (Tampa) did an undercover story on it, exposing the phone calls and discussions. It was crazy!! One person says, "I need it to appraise at 300 even though its only worth 200, then I can do a cash out refi and go on vacation, can you do that?" and the appraiser says, "Sure for an extra $100 I can do that". That's what I mean, and yes it happens. Now adays they are so desperate for work, a shady appraiser wouldn't charge extra, they would just be happy to get the work. Of course plenty of appraisers don't do that. Most are great, honest people that do what they can to help you while being honest and ethical. I am trying to buy a house where they own around 300, yet it never was worth more than $225. But with an appraisal that said 300, they were able to cash it out.
But there was no insinuation. I would just repeat what Shane said- shopping for a knowledgable person is great- shopping for a value is bad. I hear so much about shady appraisals, its nice that Shane is doing the right thing and I just wanted to give him a pat on the back! lol 