That's how it should be.  For a refinance you can't give an appraiser a 'target', I'm not sure why it's different on a purchase.  Makes no sense.

They probably should, but also probably won't.  And, I don't know why you would want to do this.  Because, appraisers mostly will do their best to get the appraisal within the purchase price range.

Wow - are markets are sooooo different!  Rarely are appraisals ever required up here.  Only for something that is so unique that it doesn't fit into criteria used by the lenders.  (good luck even finding comps!)

Should an appraisal be necessary, never would an Agreement of Purchase and Sale be asked for let alone required.

I have found several lenders supplies the appraiser with the P&S agreement; not just the address...

Yeah & then he could just go find it outright in the public records somewhere. Unless it's closed though, who cares? Contract for a house that isn't closed is not a comp he could possibly use.

I have had to send the contract to the appraiser when they have said they have not received it, or the counter. 

Tony and Suzanne - Well, should and will are two different things. I would imagine appraisers would not like it if the purchase price was redacted.

Based on my experience as an appraiser, you would be discredited if you provided an edited document.

Yes! 

I doubt an appraiser would accept a contract like that.

Tony and Suzanne,
As a former lender and longtime broker that wouldn’t work for any appraiser I’ve ever worked with.

A good question for an appraiser forum.

Good morning Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers. No reason not to share the P & S, also how about sharing some comps to make their job easier.

Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers I somehow do not like the idea of sharing the agreement with purchase price in it with appraisers....

What's the point in letting them know where the appraisal value should be?

In my opinion, the purchase price should not be given to an appraiser.

Appraisers in my area want to see the contract so they know the conditions and what is remaining with the property. I know they can't help but use the sales price as their target range.