Understanding Appraisals and What to Do If Your Home Doesn’t Appraise for Its Purchase Price

It can be a bit of a surprise if your home turns out to be valued at less than the purchase price offered, but this is the type of thing that can occur in an appraisal situation. While this can change everything from your contract to the amount of your down payment if your home has been appraised at less than you envisioned, here are some options you may want to consider.

Review The Appraisal Contingency Clause

If an appraisal contingency clause is built into the terms of your contract, this means that the terms of your contract can be re-evaluated and re-negotiated if an appraisal happens to come up short. While this is meant primarily to protect the homebuyer against a lower appraisal, it doesn’t mean that the terms of a new deal can’t be met for the good of both parties.

Get A Second Appraisal

It’s entirely possible that the initial appraisal is accurate, but it doesn’t necessarily hurt to get a second opinion in the event that the first appraisal seems too low. While you can work in conjunction with your lender to get a second appraisal, you may need to pay for it the second time around in order to get your initial purchasing price. Whether it happens to be good news or bad news, it can be worth the peace of mind to know how to proceed.

Consider A Lower Price

It’s less than ideal when your home is appraised for less than the purchase price, but this doesn’t have to be a deal breaker when it comes to selling it. While you may be able to get away with a higher price for your home in a hot real estate market, if things have cooled off, this can be an important time to re-negotiate the deal you’ve got. If a potential buyer likes your home and has already made an offer, they may be happy to decide on new contract terms.

It can be quite disappointing if your home is appraised at a value that is less than the offer you’ve received, but this doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll have to put your home back on the market. Whether you and the potential buyer decide to re-negotiate or get a second opinion, there are options that can be beneficial for both parties. Give me a call with any questions – J.P. Cook – 602-320-4253.

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Sort by: Select Price, Low to High Price, High to Low Newer Listings First Older Listings First Open House Date

1977 E Georgia Ruth Lane San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

$474,990

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,668 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6678699

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

New Construction!! Nestled perfectly in the sought after city of San Tan Valley. Adorable 4 bedroom 3 bathroom home with a 2 car garage. Our Ashton Woods Coastal Collection, spacious owner's suite, stainless steel appliances, granite kitchen countertops and classic shaker style cabinets makes this a place to call home. Conveniently located North of Combs Rd and Schnepf Rd. As with all of our homes, this one is also constructed as ''Energy Star'' for remarkable comfort, energy efficiency and environmental sustainability!

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11816 S 173rd Lane Goodyear, AZ 85338

New

$474,990

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,841 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6703353

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Situated on a homesite facing sweeping views of the Estrella Mountains. This beautiful home boasts 3 large bedrooms and a private enclosed study. The open-concept kitchen includes ample countertop space, built in appliances, designer backsplash, a center island, and an expansive walk-in pantry. Host your next dinner party in the open dining and great room then transition to the covered back patio for dessert and a nightcap. Additional highlights include wood like tile, 8' interior doors, soft water loop with drain, 8' garage door, and so much more! Located within the Estrella masterplan with 2 state-of-the-art Residents Clubs including fitness centers and pools, Starsplash Water Park, and a community lake with activities including boat rentals.

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40870 W Agave Road Maricopa, AZ 85138

$474,990

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,987 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6399861

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

THIS HOME IS READY FOR MOVE-IN! It's the popular Belice - 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and 3 car tandem garage. We're building this home with an 8' garage door, garage service door, 12x8 sliding glass door off of the great room that leads out to your extended covered patio. Gas appliance package with microwave. Lausanne Espresso cabinets with 42'' upper cabinets in kitchen. Himalaya white granite countertops in kitchen and the enhanced kitchen island with matching backsplash. Upgrade flooring includes 12x24 Linden Pointe Grigio tile in all areas of the home except bedrooms/closets. Owners bath has separate tub and shower with Artic white tile surrounds. Dual sinks at bath 2. Interior two tone Gray paint throughout and so much more. Water Company is Santa Cruz Water Company and Sewer.

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10840 E Flintlock Drive Sun Lakes, AZ 85248

$474,990

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,971 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6641292

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Popular expanded Alameda floorplan very near Palo Verde clubhouse in Cottonwood/ Palo Verde which offers 2 clubhouses/restaurants & private golf courses! 3 bedrooms, spacious great room, nice kitchen with granite countertops, roll out shelves, large pantry & kitchen nook. Neutral paint inside and all lighting fixtures replaced with LED inside & out giving the home a more modern look. Back yard has large covered patio and landscaping is mature with trees & citrus in a private setting. Driveway & walkway have been pavered. Newer roof, A/C & water heater - all important things replaced - come see it today!

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16854 W Cortaro Point Drive Surprise, AZ 85387

$474,990

2 Beds

2 Baths

2,149 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6659969

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Spacious Verano model... Priced to sell. 2 bedrooms and a den. Large entertaining space through out. Large extended covered patio. Close to the pool, work out facility and outdoor sports like Golf and Pickle Ball courts. Electric cook top but also plumbed for gas underneath cook top. All appliances included, including an extra laundry room refrigerator.

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39957 N High Noon Way Anthem, AZ 85086

$474,950

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,432 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6702301

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

3BD 2BA 1432 SQ. FT SINGLE LEVEL HM. EAT IN KITCHEN W/ BREAKFAST BAR, 9 FT CEILINGS, CEILING FANS, EXTENDED COVERED PATIO, EASY CARE LANDSCAPING. BRAND NEW CARPET IN BEDROOMS & BRAND NEW VINYL PLANK FLOORING THROUGHOUT. FRESHLY PAINTED.

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1947 Clear Creek Drive Happy Jack, AZ 86024

$474,900

3 Beds

1 Bath

864 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6606896

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

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143 S Hancock Trail Casa Grande, AZ 85194

$474,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,159 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6677542

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home! This exquisite home boasts luxurious amenities and thoughtful upgrades, promising the perfect blend of comfort and style. As you step through the front door, you're greeted by a warm ambiance accentuated by the new flooring installed in 2020, inviting you to explore further. The spacious living area beckons with its open layout. For the culinary enthusiast, the gourmet kitchen is a true delight, featuring modern appliances, ample cabinetry, and a convenient breakfast bar. The master is split, complete with a permitted addition providing extra space and versatility. But the real piéce de résistance awaits outside. The backyard oasis has a heated saltwater pool and spa, perfect for year-round relaxation and enjoyment.

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2373 N Riverside Drive Florence, AZ 85132

$474,900

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,569 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6693815

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Seize the opportunity to own this highly maintained single-story gem now available! Situated on a premium lot with no neighbors behind, this beauty boasts over $54,000 in upgrades, w/c includes a desert front yard, a 3-car garage, and a private courtyard. Discover a generous open layout filled with natural and recessed lighting and features tall ceilings, graceful archways, a neutral palette, tile flooring, and plush carpeting in all the right places. Kitchen is designed with SS appliances, ample wood cabinetry/counter space, a pantry, and an island w/a breakfast bar. Double doors reveal a large den ideal for a home office! Main suite has a full ensuite and a walk-in closet. Enjoy alfresco dining under the covered patio in the perfectly sized backyard with pavers! Don't miss out!

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6460 W Springfield Way Florence, AZ 85132

$474,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,176 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6688887

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

**Custom Feel Home in the award winning community of Anthem at Merrill Ranch** Pride of ownership and amazing interior design make this home feel custom and very inviting. Open floor plan with amazing finishes like wood vinyl plank flooring, archways, custom fans/lighting, gourmet kitchen with custom hood and wall ovens, stainless steel appliances, QUARTZ counter tops and much more. This is a great lot with a large, private backyard...covered patio, extended paver patio, artificial turf, gazebo and no neighbors across the street. You'll feel right at home in this beautiful home and this amazing community. Merrill Ranch has everything you're looking for...pools, water parks, fishing, golf course, restaurant, activities, clubs and more. Don't miss this one!

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4330 W Irwin Road Laveen, AZ 85339

$474,900

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,284 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6689303

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Amazing Home offering 4 Bedrooms and 2.5 Baths and a Sparkling Pool! Seller is currently Remodeling the Home. Close to Schools, Shopping and Freeway. Seller is offering 2% concessions towards Buyers closing costs or interest rate buy down. A Must See!

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17239 W Desert Sage Drive Goodyear, AZ 85338

$474,900

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,842 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6691853

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The search is over! This 3-bedroom, 2-bath residence features a 2-car garage, a paver driveway, and an attractive desert landscape. Discover a great room with high ceilings, a soothing palette, blinds for privacy, and durable tile flooring. The kitchen boasts granite counters, ample wood cabinetry with crown molding, stainless steel appliances, pendant/recessed lighting, a pantry, and an island with a breakfast bar for casual dining. The main bedroom is complete with a bathroom that includes dual sinks, a raindrop shower, and a walk-in closet. Enjoy breathtaking sunsets in the backyard, showcasing a covered patio and stunning mountain views. This gem will sell fast! Other upgrades Include: upgraded Refrigerator, washer Dryer inc. - RO water filter, water softener, Garage door height 8 FT- Many elect media outlet upgrades, garage walls & additional ceiling insulation, epoxy floor in Garage, garage laundry tub, tankless H20 heater, master bath shower & tile upgrades, oversized kitchen island (HUGE), Extended granite counter tops, tile upgrades throughout the entire house (no carpet), HVAC 16 seer high efficiency, window blinds, high speed fiber internet installed, Low maintenance landscaping. Great Location!!!! Surrounded by majestic mountains and wide-open desert vistas, life in Estrella is a masterpiece of harmonious balance dynamic, yet serene.. offering young couples, families and retirees a resort-inspired lifestyle with state-of-the-art amenities

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