There’s a lot that can go wrong if you’re trying to sell a house. Few issues can be more aggravating than a low appraisal.
Appraisals are a part of any property sale. If the appraisal value is lower than the offers you’re considering or worse: lower than what you paid, trying to sell it will be an uphill battle. For example, lenders will likely push back against mortgages valued for more than the home, potentially preventing the sale.
However, there are options.
How To Sell a House With a Low Appraisal
1. Request Another Appraisal
If the property receives a low appraisal, always call for another one. There are a lot of factors that can cause a house to be undervalued, especially if its last appraisal was during the COVID pandemic when “drive-by appraisals” were common.
Be sure to point out any renovations you’ve made that might not be immediately obvious at a glance, such as roof repairs or a refinished basement. You or your real estate agent could also submit documentation citing how much money you’ve put into the property. This may help raise its value.
2. Convince the Buyer To Pay the Difference in Cash
When it’s a seller’s market you have extra leverage. If you and the buyer have agreed on a price but their bank won’t finance it due to a low appraisal, the buyer could simply pay the difference to push the mortgage through. If the buyer wants a compromise, you might need to come down on the price.
3. Help the Buyer Find Another Lender
The real estate agent can help your buyer find a lender willing to finance the deal. If your buyer is willing to do that, it’s probably worth going the extra mile to make the deal happen.
4. Wait for More High-Priced Sales in Your Area
Home sales in your area are a major factor in your own home’s valuation. If you truly believe your house is being under-appraised and the appraisers won’t budge, you might want to simply sit back and watch the market. If a few comparable nearby homes sell at higher prices, that can help make the case for a higher valuation.
A low appraisal can be bad, but it isn’t necessarily a roadblock. Persevere and investigate your options so you can sell your house for the price you want.
