What happens if my appraisal comes in low?

For anyone buying, selling or refinancing a home, the appraisal is a very important part of the transaction.  The appraisal gives you a fair market value of the home and is what the mortgage is based on.  If the appraisal comes in higher than the purchase price, we use the purchase price for value and if it's lower, we use the appraisal.  There are a few refinances where an appraisal is not required, but for most, you still need the appraisal to determine a value for the home.

When the appraisal comes in high, it's just good news for the buyer – they know they have a little equity in the home and they feel like they got a deal! 

When the appraisal comes in low on a purchase, it becomes a problem.  The appraised value is what the mortgage will be based on and that can affect the mortgage transaction.  The buyer may have to put more money down or you may have to renegotiate the purchase.  Typically there are three options when the appraisal comes in low.

  • Buyer and seller renegotiate a lower sales price
  • Buyer increases their down payment and meets the new down payment requirements.
  • Buyer cancels the transaction and the purchase agreement is cancelled.

Sometimes the listing agent may have additional information that can be presented to the appraiser to help increase the value.  It doesn't always work, but there are times where it may.  The one area I see this work more often is new construction where some properties may not be listed on the MLS so the appraiser is not aware of them.  Just remember this doesn't always work as the other properties may not be the same type of home or may have other adjustments that do not help the value.

Once the buyer and seller agree to the changes, we can move forward with the mortgage.  Sometimes it's an easy decision and it happens quickly – sometimes it's not!  Sometimes you may know going into a transaction that you may have appraisal issues – your realtor may have given you an idea that the purchase price may be a push and it may be difficult to get the appraisal to come in at the value.  Other times the appraiser may not be able to find enough comparable sales to reach the value needed.  The appraiser needs 3+ homes that he can use on the appraisal that are ideally within one mile of the subject property and similar style and size.  They also need to have sold within about 6 months of the purchase agreement.

If there are questions on the appraisal, talk to your loan officer and see if you can get the changes needed.  Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't!  You will be given a copy of your appraisal before closing so you will be able to look it over.

Leslie Vanderwerf,  NMLS ID#335509, American Mortgage & Equity Consultants – EmailWebsite

 

 

 

Written By

Currently a Senior Loan Officer at Cross Country Mortgage LLC, it's hard to believe I have been in the mortgage business for more than 25 years and have worked with Sharlene since 2000! I love sharing mortgage insights here each week and helping people finance their homes. Listening helps me find the right program for you!

Related Posts

What Every Homebuyer Should Know About Closing Costs

🖨 Print Article Before making the decision to buy a home, it’s important to plan for all the costs you’ll be responsible for. While you’re busy saving for the down payment, don’t...

Transite Heat: is this a problem?

🖨 Print Article If you mention the word transite to about 90% of the population, they either think of HVAC ductwork installed below the concrete floor in a basement, or they...

Subscribe to Our Newsletter for Market Updates & Mid-Century Modern Listings

Our weekly HomesMSP Update includes current local market information and a curated list of mid-century modern properties for sale, plus posts from an inspector, a lender, a stager, info about neighborhoods, life in the Twin Cities… even recipes!

Hidden

Blog Categories

Archives

Sharon and John Hensrud

About Us

The HomesMSP Team is committed to meeting you where you are and listening… really listening to understand you so we can use our extensive knowledge of the market and local neighborhoods to give you personalized service.