09/23/2026
What happens if the appraisal comes in lower than the price you agreed to pay?
Take a breath. It’s a problem to work through, but it doesn’t automatically mean the purchase is over.
Let’s say the appraisal came in $10,000 lower than the appraised value. Here are a few paths we can explore:
1. Ask the seller to lower the price. They may agree to meet the appraised value.
2. Meet somewhere in the middle. The seller lowers the price, and you cover part of the gap.
3. Keep the agreed price. Depending on your loan, that may mean bringing more cash to closing. We’d calculate the actual amount before you decide.
There’s one more step I always want buyers to know about: review the appraisal itself. If it contains an error or overlooks relevant comparable sales, we can ask the appraiser about a reconsideration of value. That request needs supporting information, and a change isn’t guaranteed.
The right next step depends on the appraisal, your financing, and the terms of your contract. My job is to help you understand the numbers and talk through your options with your agent before you make a decision.
Have a question about an appraisal? Send it my way.