Appraisals

The lender lends against the lower of the price and the appraised value.

How it works

An independent, licensed appraiser assigned by the lender inspects the home and compares it with recent nearby sales. You have the right to a copy of the appraisal at least three business days before closing.

If the value comes in low

Ask the seller to lower the price to the appraised value
Cover the difference in cash
Ask for a reconsideration of value with better comparable sales
Use the appraisal contingency in your contract, if you have one

Reviewed by Mustafa Temiz, CPA, NMLS #2450795 · Updated November 2026

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A short pre-application takes about five minutes. We call you back, look at your numbers and tell you plainly which loan programs fit.

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