In rough real estate market, appraisers feel heat for home sales that fall apart or lag behind

"Once just another step in the sale process, appraisals are attracting ire from real estate agents, builders, homeowners, buyers and sellers. A major trade group says low appraisals are botching deals and stifling a housing recovery. Real estate agents say appraisers are being sent from miles away to evaluate homes in unfamiliar neighborhoods, resulting in flawed appraisals and sidelined sales."