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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20603 N Echo Mesa Drive Sun City West, AZ 85375

New

$460,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

2,103 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6680198

Property Type Single Family Residence

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Popular San Carlos model with 2 large bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, vaulted ceilings and HUGE utility/laundry room-perfect for crafting or if you need extra space & already plumbed. Kitchen has tons of cabinets w pull-out drawers, granite countertops, island, newer appliances and opens up to the large Arizona room. Skylights & solar tubes offer bright, natural light. You will love the rear, large 20' X 24' enclosed, screened patio room that offers space for entertaining or enjoying the beautiful weather. Desirable North/South exposure, situated in a cul-de-sac, corner lot in Echo Mesa area-close to Sun City West amenities and shopping! No HOA fees and low tax area!

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2813 Hidden Creek Circle Happy Jack, AZ 86024

$460,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,252 SqFt

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MLS # 6688152

Property Type Single Family Residence

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Escape to the pines in this charming property located in the Starlight Pines Community. This home was built in 2021 and ready for its new owner! As you enter the home you will see a bright and open living room, kitchen, and dining area. The kitchen has beautiful white cabinets with an island and stainless appliances. The home has neutral paint, upgraded lighting and fixtures, laminate flooring and granite countertops throughout. The inside laundry room is oversized and includes a sink with cabinets. As you enter the Primary bedroom suite you will see a separate sliding door to the back patio. The Primary bathroom has dual sinks, a walk-in tub, a linen closet, and also a walk-in closet. Don't forget about the relaxing covered patio overlooking into nature and wildlife at its best.

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1308 W Park Street Phoenix, AZ 85041

$460,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

2,118 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6683314

Property Type Single Family Residence

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Come see this beautiful, 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home in a quiet neighborhood. This home has bamboo flooring, granite counter tops, amazing floor plan, RV Gate and a desert landscaped backyard that makes great for entertaining. This home is only a 3 minute drive to South Mountain for great hiking trails and walking distance to El Prado Park. close proximity to Downtown (major sports arenas, entertainment/nightlife, and great restaurants). Hurry and put an offer in, this home will sell quickly!

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8415 N 47th Drive Glendale, AZ 85302

$460,000

5 Beds

2 Baths

2,080 SqFt

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MLS # 6683949

Property Type Single Family Residence

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Beautify and well-kept 5-bedroom 2-bathroom home with Split Plan, Porcelain tile floors throughout, spacious living room, Dining Area, Family Rooms plus hallways. Huge pebble diving pool recent replastered, Kitchen with plenty of natural light, Double Pantries. Backyard with a covered patio. Split bedroom plan offers privacy. Close to School and I-17 Freeway and NO HOA.

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