Man looking at a CMA

How to Handle Low Appraisals When Selling Your Home

RESayle’s Guide to Dealing with Low Appraisals

Selling your home can be a daunting process, especially when you receive a low appraisal. A home appraisal, conducted by a professional appraiser, assesses the value of your property and is often required by lenders during the sale process.

If the appraisal comes in lower than expected, it can jeopardize the sale, but don’t panic. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to navigate low appraisals and ensure a successful sale.

Understand the Appraisal Process

Before taking any steps, it’s important to understand how the appraisal process works. Appraisers consider various factors, including:

  • Comparable Sales: Recent sales of similar homes in your area.
  • Market Trends: The overall health and trends of the real estate market.
  • Property Condition: The physical state of your home, including any upgrades or repairs needed.
  • Location: The desirability of your neighborhood.

Having a good grasp of these factors will help you make informed decisions if you receive a low appraisal.

Speak to Your Real Estate Agent

Your real estate agent is an invaluable resource when dealing with a low appraisal. They have extensive knowledge of the local market and can provide insights that may help you navigate this situation. Here’s how your agent can assist:

  • Market Analysis: Your agent can provide a comparative market analysis (CMA) to support your claim of a higher value.
  • Negotiation: They can help you negotiate with the buyer and their agent, suggesting strategies such as splitting the difference or adjusting the sale price.
  • Appraisal Review: With their experience, they can identify potential errors in the appraisal report and guide you on how to address them.
  • Networking: Agents often have relationships with reputable appraisers and can recommend a second appraisal if needed.

Leveraging your agent’s expertise can make a significant difference in resolving appraisal issues.

Review the Appraisal Report

Once you receive the appraisal report, review it thoroughly. Check for any errors or omissions that may have negatively impacted the valuation. Common issues include:

  • Incorrect square footage
  • Overlooked upgrades or renovations
  • Inaccurate information about the number of rooms or bathrooms
  • Omitted comparable properties

If you find any discrepancies, gather evidence and contact the appraiser to discuss potential corrections.

Challenge the Appraisal

If you believe the appraisal is inaccurate, you have the right to challenge it. Here’s how:

  • Gather Evidence: Compile information about comparable properties, recent sales, and any improvements you’ve made to your home.
  • Submit a Rebuttal: Present your evidence to the appraiser or the lender and request a reconsideration of value. Be polite and professional in your communication.
  • Request a Second Appraisal: If the lender allows, you might be able to get a second opinion from a different appraiser.

Challenging an appraisal can be a time-consuming process, but it’s worth it if you believe your home’s value has been underestimated.

Negotiate with the Buyer

A low appraisal doesn’t necessarily mean the deal is off. There are several ways to negotiate with the buyer to keep the sale on track:

  • Lower the Price: You can agree to reduce the sale price to match the appraised value. While this may not be ideal, it could be the quickest way to move forward.
  • Split the Difference: Negotiate with the buyer to share the cost difference. This means both you and the buyer will adjust your expectations to make the deal work.
  • Request a Larger Down Payment: Ask the buyer to increase their down payment to cover the gap between the loan amount and the purchase price.

Improve Your Home’s Appeal

If you’re not in a rush to sell, consider making improvements to increase your home’s value before the next appraisal. Focus on areas that typically yield the highest return on investment:

  • Kitchen and Bathroom Upgrades: Modernizing these areas can significantly boost your home’s appeal.
  • Curb Appeal: Landscaping, painting, and exterior repairs can create a positive first impression.
  • Maintenance and Repairs: Fix any issues that might detract from your home’s value, such as leaky roofs, broken windows, or outdated systems.

There are also several eco-friendly upgrades that can help you boost the value of your home, including installing a programmable thermostat and switching to water-efficient fixtures.

Be Prepared for Future Appraisals

Going forward, make sure you’re well-prepared for future appraisals. Keep detailed records of any home improvements, including receipts and before-and-after photos. Stay informed about local real estate trends and comparable sales in your area. By being proactive, you can better manage the appraisal process and set realistic expectations.

Dealing with a low appraisal can be challenging, but it’s not the end of the road. By understanding the appraisal process, reviewing the report, challenging inaccuracies, negotiating with the buyer, improving your home’s appeal, speaking to your real estate agent, and preparing for future appraisals, you can navigate this hurdle and successfully sell your home. Remember, patience and persistence are key.