09/08/2026
Offer accepted… then the appraisal comes in below the agreed price. What now? 😬
First, don’t panic. A low appraisal does NOT automatically kill the deal: and it does not mean you failed as a buyer.
An appraisal is an independent estimate of a home’s value, ordered by the lender. When it comes in below the contract price, the difference is called an appraisal gap.
In a fast Mid-Michigan market where homes average around 7 days on market, appraisal gaps are becoming more common. Your practical options may include:
1️⃣ Renegotiate with the seller. The seller may lower the price, or both sides may meet in the middle.
2️⃣ Bring extra cash. You may choose to cover part or all of the gap, if your finances allow.
3️⃣ Challenge the appraisal. If recent comparable sales support a higher value, your lender may be able to request a reconsideration.
4️⃣ Walk away. If your purchase agreement includes an appraisal contingency, you may have options to cancel or renegotiate without losing your earnest money: but review the specific terms carefully.
The key: a low appraisal is a negotiation point, not an automatic dead end.
Want to talk through your options? Message Sean at (586) 630-2682 or visit michiganmortgagepro.com.
Loan terms, property values, and outcomes vary. Review your specific purchase agreement with your real estate and lending professionals.