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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Sort by: Select Price, Low to High Price, High to Low Newer Listings First Older Listings First Open House Date

10348 E Tupelo Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

$659,900

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,319 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6759378

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Spacious home! Unique circular entrance with an open split floorplan. This is a must see 3 bedroom + den, roomy owners suite with dual vanities & bench shower. The 2 guest bedrooms share a Jack n' Jill bath with each bedroom having their own private vanity. Home also features a den, powder room, granite island kitchen and full wall granite backsplash with seating and upgraded cabinets, dining area, separate laundry and a 3 car garage. Floor upgrades and barely lived in, on an oversized lot with room for a pool, this home is located in a desirable location and walking distance to the Encore Club. (WHEW!!!) All this could be yours!

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1413 W Coral Reef Drive Gilbert, AZ 85233

$659,900

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,490 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769275

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

This stunning waterfront villa is situated in the highly sought-after Coral Reef subdivision at The Islands. Featuring 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, the home offers breathtaking lake views from the master bedroom, family room, and dining room. The first floor and all bathrooms are adorned with elegant Travertine flooring. Enjoy your morning coffee or evening sunsets on the patio, located right by the water's edge. The community pool is just steps away, making this home not only a place to live, but a lifestyle to embrace.

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2071 E Remington Place Chandler, AZ 85286

Open House

$659,900

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,378 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6778065

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Charming Chandler home with 4 spacious bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a den, & a loft, there's plenty of room for everyone. The kitchen is complete with a granite island, ideal for entertaining. The spacious master suite features a private gas fireplace, laminate wood flooring, his-and-hers built-in dressers, and a large walk-in shower. Step into your resort-style backyard with a covered patio, separate ramada, built-in gas BBQ, firepit, specialty lighting, planters, and a play pool with a waterfall. Low-maintenance synthetic grass keeps it easy year-round. The property also includes a 3-car garage, RV gate, and extra parking slab. Located on a quiet cul-de-sac near parks and greenbelts!

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1295 E Elysian Pass San Tan Valley, AZ 85140

Open House

$659,900

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,949 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6780498

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Step into luxury with this stunning ''Nice'' plan home, designed to impress. The gourmet kitchen boasts top-of-the-line appliances, custom light fixtures, and a beautiful backsplash. Enjoy the rolling wall of windows that open to an expansive backyard oasis with a spacious patio, cozy fireplace, lush turf grass, extended travertine pavers, mature trees, and a fenced yard—perfect for entertaining or relaxing. The den, with its custom-built bookcase, is ideal for a home office. The large laundry room offers ample cabinet space and an additional desk area. Located at Encanterra Golf & Country Club Resort, this well-maintained home offers world class amenities at your doorstep. Enjoy dining at La Casa, stay fit at the state-of-the-art fitness center, or unwind in the indoor pool and spa.

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44811 N 12th Street New River, AZ 85087

$659,800

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,072 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6768506

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Acre+ Private Santa Fe Territorial Home with 10 ft soaring ceilings. Awesome mountain and desert views with a private setting to enjoy and relax in the AZ Climate. Home features 3 bedrooms 2 baths, fireplace, 2.5 car garage, den, and fireplace. Spacious primary bedroom with large walk in closet. Primary bath has large garden tub, Huge Seperate shower, and double vanity sinks. Open floorplan with Great Rm concept featuring large picture windows, fireplace, and 10ft + beamed ceilings. Loads of sspace for all your toys and vehichles. No hoa.

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25137 N 171st Avenue Surprise, AZ 85387

$659,535

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,065 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6776933

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

MLS# 6776933 March Completion! Choose the exterior that speaks to you! Then, head through the porch and into the foyer to find three bedrooms and one bathroom on this side of the home. Across the foyer is a laundry room, an additional bedroom and bathroom, and the entry to your two-car garage. Keep going to discover beautiful open concept living: a great room flows to a casual dining area, kitchen with an island, and covered outdoor living, the perfect spot for hosting! Tucked away is a serene primary suite with a spa-inspired bathroom and spacious walk-in closet. Structural options include: paver front porch, 12' x 8' 8' multi-slide door at gathering, super shower at primary bathroom, gourmet kitchen, and study in lieu of bedroom 2.

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20574 S 194th Place Queen Creek, AZ 85142

$659,500

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,596 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6679596

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This stunning single level home features a large eat in kitchen, walk-in pantry, great room, and flexible bonus/den/dining room. The luxurious primary suite includes a large bathroom with separate vanities, soaking tub and a huge walk-in closet. The laundry room has access from the primary closet and secondary bedrooms hallway. The main living areas have wood-look tile, with cozy carpet in the bedrooms. This home is beautifully appointed with double ovens and granite counters in the kitchen, raised vanities in the bathrooms, double sinks in the 2nd bath and plantation shutters throughout. Easy maintenance back yard and desert landscaped front yard. Backyard is plumbed for natural gas - perfect for a BBQ. 3 car tandem garage is plumed for water softener. Washer/dryer included.

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20677 N 16th Way Phoenix, AZ 85024

$659,100

3 Beds

2.5 Baths

2,488 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6738436

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Amazing opportunity in Phoenix, AZ. Single level home with approximately 2,488 square feet. Includes a three-car attached garage. The home sits on a lot of approximately 11,976 square feet. Buyers check with City, County, Zoning, Tax, and other records to their satisfaction. AS-IS Sale.

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15716 W Sierra Street Surprise, AZ 85379

$659,000

5 Beds

3.5 Baths

4,035 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6725319

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover luxury living in this well maintained home built in 2007, nestled in the heart of Greer Ranch North. Boasting 5 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, this residence offers ample space for both relaxation and entertaining. Step inside to find a versatile den, ideal for a home office or study, complemented by a formal living and dining area. The family room provides a cozy retreat, perfect for gatherings. Upstairs, a generous bonus loft offers additional flexibility, whether used as a play area, media room, or second family room. The heart of this home lies in its lovely kitchen, with granite countertops, and a convenient island for casual dining. Adjacent is a spacious breakfast nook, overlooking the tranquil backyard oasis.

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11620 S 217th Avenue Buckeye, AZ 85326

$659,000

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,467 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6762379

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Be the proud owner of this residence sitting on a 1-acre lot with amazing mountain views! The double custom ironwork doors open to a semi-open layout featuring vaulted ceilings, durable tile flooring, neutral paint, and gorgeous light fixtures. Entertain your guests in the living area or host a feast in the formal dining! The kitchen showcases quartz counters, SS appliances, a stylish backsplash, cabinetry w/crown moulding, and a center island w/breakfast bar. The main bedroom is a true retreat, with its ensuite boasting dual sinks and a walk-in closet. Discover an expansive backyard that provides a covered patio, artificial turf, well-laid pavers, a Ramada w/built-in BBQ, an additional pergola, and a barn/stalls for your horses. This is the one for you! Don't wait!

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21320 N 56th Street Unit 2163 Phoenix, AZ 85054

$659,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,843 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6764820

Property Type Townhouse

Price Type --

Fantastic location next to Desert Ridge, golf course, community pool, spa, green belts and loop 101 & 51 freeways. This townhome is one level with plantation shutters, crown molding and designer colors throughout. The kitchen has beautiful cherry raised panel cabinetry, dark columbo granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and an open great room. The bathrooms have Kona beige silestone countertops, tiled showers and tub surrounds. The oversized 2 car garage has shelving, water softener and a super quiet I-drive garage opener. The large back patio looks out across a greenbelt to the community pool & spa area.

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1205 E Tradewind Drive Gilbert, AZ 85234

$659,000

4 Beds

2 Baths

1,975 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6765192

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Dreaming of lakeside living? For the right offer, enjoy $5,000 in seller's concessions! This stunning 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home has it all. With a 3-car garage and a beautiful PebbleTec pool, relaxation awaits. The interior boasts fresh paint, new master bedroom carpet, modern light fixtures, and ceiling fans. The kitchen features updated hardware, a gas stove, and all new faucets throughout the house. Enjoy mesmerizing lake views from your boat dock and open floor plan, perfect for entertaining. The master suite offers a separate tub and shower, with vaulted ceilings in all bedrooms adding elegance. Located within walking distance to Gilbert High School and minutes from Downtown Gilbert, restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. Don't miss out on this gem!

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