Where AMC company is located is irrelevant.

Listing and Selling agent may ask appraiser if appraiser has geographical competence. Appropriate to ask if appraiser has appraised in neighborhood, how many appraisals and when appraisal last appraised in subject neighborhood. Accordingly, LA/SA may deny access and contact loan agent with request for new appraiser on grounds of geographical incompetence.

LA/SA can provide/email good comps, upgrades (updated property and views) etc before appraisal report is sent to bank. Once report is sent to lender there can be no more communication.

If appraisal comes in low, agents can try to provide good comps, different from what appraiser used. Also, they can point out if there are views and remodeling not added in appraisal report.

Low appraisal, gives Buyer another opportunity to renegotiate price. All of us have been there. Most of the time, Buyer will renegotiate, walk or meet Seller half way.

California purchase contract are straight forward. 17 days contingencies for inspections and loan/appraisal. If Buyer does not remove contingencies, Seller has to send "Notice to Buyer to perform". Or SA asks for extension.

Purchasing has changed. Low appraisals happens all the time. Sometimes justified. Seller may have over priced home. Hope your agent is standing by you and that your transaction will have a happy ending!