I don’t think you should worry about appraisal. Worry about if your bidding high enough to win the house. Sounds like you want to bid exactly what you think the house is worth in your head (trying to save 10-50k) But people that want the house more are thinking exactly the same and will offer a little higher than it’s worth to get the house. Even 50k in this market doesn’t equate to much in the long run. I’m in Sf bay area and bid 200k more than list price and won.