What Happens if Your Appraisal Comes in Low?

Selling your house can be an exciting but nerve-wracking experience. Naturally, you want to get the most money possible for your home. But what if the appraisal comes back lower than expected? 

This is a common concern that can cause headaches for both the seller and buyer. It could potentially delay the closing or even cause the sale to fall through. 

However, a low appraisal doesn't have to be a dealbreaker. In fact, it happens more often than you might think. That's why it's crucial to be prepared if you're selling your house. 

So we'll cover the basics of home appraisals and the factors that can impact the value of your property. We'll also delve into some of the common reasons appraisals come in low and offer tips on how to prevent it.

By the end, you'll have a better understanding of the appraisal process, and the confidence to navigate your home sale successfully.

What are home appraisals?

If you're selling your home, one important step in the process is getting it appraised. An appraisal is an evaluation of your property's value conducted by a licensed appraiser. The appraiser takes into account a variety of factors to determine your home's fair market value.

During the appraisal process, the appraiser will conduct a thorough inspection of your home. This includes both inside and out, as well as the surrounding neighborhood. They'll use this information to compare your property to recently sold homes in the area, and consider current market trends.

Several factors can impact the appraisal value of your home, including condition, size, layout, and upgrades or improvements you've made. Other factors that can affect appraisal value include the location, neighborhood, and proximity to amenities like schools and shopping centers.

The appraiser plays a critical role in the home selling process. Their appraisal report is used by lenders to determine how much they're willing to lend to potential buyers. A low appraisal can make it challenging for buyers to secure financing, potentially derailing the sale of your home.

To ensure a fair and accurate appraisal, it's crucial to work with a reputable appraiser. One who has experience appraising homes in your area. This will help you get the best possible price for your home when it comes time to sell.

What can cause a low appraisal?

While homeowners aim for a high appraisal value, there are several reasons why a home appraisal might come in low. Understanding these reasons can help you prepare for the appraisal and take steps to mitigate any potential issues.

One common reason for a low appraisal is the condition of the home. If your property is in poor condition or requires significant repairs, the appraiser may lower the appraisal value. The same is true for outdated features or design elements that may make the home less appealing to potential buyers.

Market conditions and location can also significantly impact the appraisal value. If your home is located in a high-inventory, low-demand area, the appraiser may lower the value. Similarly, if your home is in an area with high crime rates, this can negatively affect the appraisal.

Inaccurate property information or incorrect comparables used in the valuation process can also result in a low appraisal. It's essential to carefully review the appraisal report and address any inaccuracies or discrepancies with the appraiser. That's why it's critical to work with an experienced appraiser.

What can you do if you receive a low appraisal?

It can be frustrating to receive a low home appraisal. But there are several steps you can take to address the situation. 

The first step is to carefully review the appraisal report to ensure there are no errors or omissions. If you believe there is an issue, you can request a reconsideration or appeal the appraisal. But keep in mind these processes can be time-consuming and not always successful.

If you are unable to dispute the appraisal, you still have options. One option is to work with your real estate agent to negotiate with the buyer or their lender. Depending on the situation, the buyer may be willing to pay the appraisal gap out of pocket. Or, in some cases, the lender may be willing to approve a higher loan amount.

Another option is to consider making improvements to your home to increase its value. This could include repairing or upgrading the property, such as replacing outdated features or addressing any maintenance issues. However, keep in mind that these improvements can be costly. They also may not result in a significant increase in the appraisal value.

Finally, you may need to consider lowering your asking price or walking away from the sale. Sure, these options may not be ideal. But it's important to remember that selling your home at a fair price is ultimately in your best interest. Your real estate agent can help guide you through these options and help you make the best decision for your situation.

Keep this in mind

It's important to remember that the buyer was interested in your home before the appraisal. Unless major issues were uncovered during the appraisal, it's likely that they're still interested. 

Things like outdated design or a lack of amenities weren’t an issue for the buyer before. They shouldn’t be a deal breaker now. In many cases, buyers may be willing to pay the offer price or negotiate to come to a mutually beneficial agreement. 

A low appraisal is not the end of the world. There are steps you can take to address it and keep the sale on track. Keep a level head, work with an experienced, trusted agent, and explore all options before making any major decisions.

Tips to prevent a low appraisal

Let’s face it, some factors that affect your home appraisal are beyond your control. But there are actions you can take to improve your chances of receiving a fair and accurate valuation. Consider these tips to help prevent a low appraisal:

• Research the market statistics in your area before listing your home to set a realistic asking price.
• Make necessary repairs and upgrades to improve the condition and value of your home.
• Declutter, clean, and stage your home to make a good impression on the appraiser.
• Keep records of any repairs or upgrades you've made to your home, including receipts and invoices.
• Be present during the appraisal to provide additional information about your home.
• Provide the appraiser with recent sales of comparable homes in your area to ensure they use accurate data in their valuation.
• Avoid overpricing your home by working with your real estate agent to set a realistic asking price.

Implementing these tips can boost the likelihood of getting a just and precise home appraisal. Working with a good agent and readying your home for the appraisal can enhance the possibility of a successful sale.

The bottom line

As a homeowner, receiving a low home appraisal can be frustrating and stressful. However, it's important to remember that there are steps you can take to address the situation. 

At Elevate Realty Group, we are here to support you through every step achieving your real estate goals. Whether it’s time to sell, or buy a Granbury home. Our experienced agents can help you navigate the appraisal process and ensure a successful sale at a fair price.