Hard money appraisal process

[Carla Harrison]

I am looking for some advice on this one. A hard money lender put me in touch with their "third party" appraisal company to complete the underwriting process. This particular company charges $695 for a residential SFH appraisal. I've had multiple residential appraisals completed in the last two years and have never paid more than $450. Should I be worried they are all working together to rip me off? Or is this a normal price of an appraisal in hard money lending? Any advice is greatly appreciated!!!