Under the HUD appraiser independence rules, neither the loan originator nor the borrower is allowed to select the appraiser.  However, if an appraisal management company assigns an appraiser with whom you are familiar—either through personal knowledge or due to their reputation—and you are dissatisfied with their selection, you may refuse their choice and request a different appraiser, provided you do so before the appraiser schedules an appointment or arrives at your property.  If you consistently reject multiple HUD-approved appraisers, the management company may decline your request, and the lender might inform you that they cannot proceed with your loan application.  It's common for individuals to value their own homes more highly than an impartial third party might.  Even professionals with experience in valuation and appraisal, including myself, have disagreed with appraisers' valuations of their own homes.  Unless the negative reviews you've encountered indicate serious professional shortcomings (such as missed appointments, excessively delayed assignments, or lack of professionalism), consider that most appraisers face criticism for valuations that don't meet the owners' expectations.  Requesting a different appraiser might delay your loan process, particularly in areas with limited FHA/HUD-approved appraisers.