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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23120 W Skinner Road Wittmann, AZ 85361

$665,000

5 Beds

2 Baths

2,451 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6757949

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful new home on 1.4 acres with 5 bedrooms and an extended 3 car garage! NO HOA! Only a short drive to Surprise and Wickenburg. It has designer touches throughout including quartz countertops, soft close cabinets, under cabinet lighting, stainless steel appliances, tiled backsplash, large center island, walk-in pantry, and range hood. Perfect for entertaining w/ eat-in kitchen, breakfast bar, dining room off the great room, large sliding glass door, 10' ceilings 8' doors. Split floor plan master bedroom has 2 walk-in closets, a large tiled shower w/ double sinks and an exit to the patio.

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23154 W Skinner Road Wittmann, AZ 85361

$665,000

5 Beds

2 Baths

2,451 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6772973

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Beautiful new home with No HOA! On a fenced acre 5 bedrooms and an extended 3 car garage! Quick drive to Surprise and Wickenburg. It has designer touches throughout including quartz countertops, soft close cabinets, under cabinet lighting, stainless steel appliances, tiled backsplash, large center island, walk-in pantry, and range hood. Perfect for entertaining w/ eat-in kitchen, breakfast bar, dining room off the great room, large sliding glass door, 10' ceilings 8' doors. Split floor plan master bedroom has 2 walk-in closets, a large tiled shower w/ double sinks and an exit to the patio.

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14036 E Barbie Lane Scottsdale, AZ 85262

$665,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,446 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6712488

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This Desert Charmer in Scottsdale. This 1 acre horse property is ideal for outdoor living & recreational enthusiasts, We have water access to epcor!!! This home has stunning sunsets & mountain views. This 4 bed/3 bath home is open, bright & very spacious. Large kitchen & breakfast room are open to family room. Room for a horse set up on the west side of the home. The perfect balance between wilderness & city living, w/near by access to hundreds of miles of hiking/horse trails, while still being close to fine dining & shopping. Best of all NO HOA.

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6346 W Hackamore Drive Phoenix, AZ 85083

$665,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,152 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6687811

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This home is well suited for anyone seeking a primary residence. Enjoy homeownership without the hassle of dealing with banks. Property Features: • Beautifully remodeled single-level home in a fantastic neighborhood • Upgraded kitchen and bathrooms with granite countertops • New black kitchen appliances • Fresh custom paint, new light fixtures and ceiling fans throughout • Vaulted ceilings and new blinds for added charm • Spacious den, perfect for a home office or entertainment area • Lush green landscaping with covered • 3 bedrooms, plus a large den, 2 full bathrooms

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10447 W Appaloosa Trail Casa Grande, AZ 85194

$665,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,190 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6750324

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

The search is finally over! This stunning corner lot horse property is set on a sprawling 1-acre lot! The property features a spacious RV garage, a paver driveway, a charming brick trim, majestic mountain views, and a welcoming front patio. Inside, the great room showcases a cool palette, recessed lighting, and stylish wood-look flooring. The delightful kitchen boasts granite counters, abundant wood cabinetry with crown moulding, chic pendant lighting, stainless steel appliances, a handy pantry, and an island with a breakfast bar. The main bedroom offers plush carpeting, direct backyard access, an ensuite with dual sinks, and a walk-in closet. Venture outside to enjoy breathtaking sunsets in the expansive backyard, complete with a covered patio for al fresco dining, lush natural turf, and endless possibilities to create your dream oasis or equestrian facilities. This gem will sell fast!

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14384 W Hearn Road Surprise, AZ 85379

$665,000

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,391 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6782793

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This move-in ready home in the desirable W Ranch community offers 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms on a spacious corner lot. Built in 2021, the open-concept design features a modern kitchen with a large island that flows seamlessly into the great room, making it perfect for entertaining. The split primary suite provides added privacy, while the finished backyard is ideal for outdoor relaxation. Car enthusiasts will appreciate the 7-car garage, which includes a tandem (38 ft x 11 ft x 10ft height) and RV garage (45 ft length/16ft. height). RV gate at side (11ft wide)This home is equipped with solar panels, providing clean & renewable energy ($263/mo.) With easy access to both the 303 and 60 freeways, this home combines comfort, space, and accessibility for the homeowner who wants it

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20121 N 76th Street Unit 1014 Scottsdale, AZ 85255

$665,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,585 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6760104

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Beautifully updated ground-floor condo located in the gated community of Vintage at Grayhawk! This move-in ready, single-level home is filled with natural light and offers an open floor plan. The living room has a cozy fireplace and easy access to the private patio. The remodeled kitchen is a chef's dream, featuring granite countertops, a farmhouse sink, refinished cabinets, and stainless-steel appliances. They primary suite includes dual sinks, granite countertops, an oversized seamless glass shower, as well as a spacious walk-in closet designed by California Closets. The guest bathroom has also been stylishly updated. Additional highlights include all closets designed by California Closets, whole house surge protector, two-car garage and a prime location within the complex offering quick access to resort-style amenities such as a community pool, spa, BBQ area, and workout facility. Conveniently located near Scottsdale's top shopping, dining, hiking, golf, and more!

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1488 W Sundance Lane Globe, AZ 85501

$665,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,684 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6770955

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This charming 2 bed 2 bath home features a spacious 616 square ft detached garage and an additional heated and cooled building. Step outside onto the inviting patio, accessible from both bedrooms and the living room, and take in the breathtaking panoramic views from the fairgrounds to the pinals. The property also offers a shed on the upper lot and ample space for horse corrals or additional parking, providing endless possibilities for outdoor enthusiasts. Don't miss your chance to experience the regal allure of this hilltop retreat.

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7709 E Rancho Vista Drive Scottsdale, AZ 85251

$665,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

1,890 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6776496

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

In the heart of beautiful Scottsdale, this 55+ community, is lovely and well-kept. 3 BDRM 3 BA UNIT ON INTERIOR LOT-MSTR + BDRM downstairs. Welcome to Villa Monterey perfection. This exclusive unit boasts a completely modern, open layout with 3 full bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms with plantation blinds throughout. The downstairs master allows for privacy from guests. Recent upgrades include a new foam roof 2022, tile roof 2020, new HVAC 2023, high efficiency dual-pane windows and slider in 2022, Fully remodeled kitchen with all new stainless steel appliances 2023 and new R/O 2022. The backyard has a large, covered patio and plenty of space for entertaining. The beautiful community Ramada and pool features many activities scheduled throughout the year. Located on the most pristine street in the community, the yard features views of Camelback Mountain and Arizona sunsets. Minutes away from Fashion Square, Old Town, art galleries, restaurants and more. This is your opportunity to own such a coveted home, authentic Sonoran luxury.

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1135 E Baylor Lane Gilbert, AZ 85296

$665,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,324 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6776590

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Honey! Stop the car! This CLEAN 5 bedroom/3 bathroom in Gilbert is precisely what you are looking for! Check out the beautiful updated flooring and floorboards, new windows, NEW ROOF and so much more. The backyard is wonderfully shaded with an oversized covered patio, gorgeous mature trees that cover a grassy area perfect for all year play. Make your way upstairs and check out the master bedroom with his and her closets, beautiful vaulted ceilings, and new carpet throughout the second level. Make meals for your family in your eat-in kitchen with a gas stove and quartz countertops. The owned water softener system and leased solar panels will be conveyed with the home. This home has it all! It's just waiting for you to move in. With the solar panels, AC in the summer averages $200/month!

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10510 W Deanna Drive Peoria, AZ 85382

$665,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,365 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6780532

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This stunning home features a spacious Great Room with 10' ceilings and 8' doors, creating an open, airy atmosphere. The chef-inspired gourmet kitchen includes a chimney hood, built-in oven & microwave, gas cooktop, and a $10K custom glass backsplash. Upgraded 42'' upper cabinets, quartz countertops, and wood-look tile flooring complete the modern look. The owners transformed the courtyard into a 202 sq ft living room with a skylight, recessed lighting, and matching flooring. Smart home features, a tankless gas water heater for endless hot water, custom shutters on every window, and a custom iron security door add both luxury and functionality. This is a highly sought after neighborhood! Act now! This will move quickly!

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2602 E Pierson Street Phoenix, AZ 85016

$665,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

3,143 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6779575

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Builders! Building plans have been submitted and approved by the City of Phoenix. This project is ready to begin immediately. Plans are for a 3,143 sq ft house, 595 sq ft 2 stall garage and a 608 sq ft rooftop balcony overlooking the mountain views. Hidden room, sauna and huge game room with a bar included in the plans. Use the plans that are already approved and paid for or create your own dream home in this great neighborhood. Property being Sold As IS and is. All Utilities have been turned off and are not connected to the property as it is being prepared for Demo work.

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