[stomachmonkey]

Seems 1st appraiser may have tried to do OP a favor by getting the value as close to asking price as was reasonable/justifiable. $10k diff on a $400k house is not an insurmountable obstacle.

Rather than question it and have it reviewed I would have used the $405 as a bargaining tool to get the house for less or some other seller concession to make the numbers work with the bank.

Failing that if I really wanted the place and could swing it I would have put in the extra $10 to keep the mortgage commitment.

If I could not swing the $10 I'd keep shopping.

How long was the property on the market? Had the price been reduced in the past or was the $415 the opening asking price?

OP did have options and may very well have tried them but disputing the charge because he did not agree with his paid professionals opinion should not have been one of them. They are not obligated to tell you what you want to hear just because you are paying them. If that were the case what value is there for anyone buyer/seller/lender in getting an appraisal?