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

22812 N Dusty Trail Boulevard Sun City West, AZ 85375

$675,000

3 Beds

3 Baths

2,976 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6779388

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Backing to the 17th green with views of the 18th tee box and multiple fairways, this 3 bed/3 bath/PLUS a den, Sun City West masterpiece is a SHOW STOPPER!! Exterior boasts an extended patio with pergolas, planters, remote controlled screens, cool decked concrete, and huge entertaining space. Walk through the double door entry, experience the soaring ceilings, and cast your gaze through the multiple bay windows to capture the sunset views with the golf course backdrop. The downstairs master suite has two walk-in closets, jetted tub for two, separate shower, and dual sinks. SECOND MASTER SUITE is a cozy upstairs apartment with a walk-in closet and bathroom. Chef's kitchen has been updated with stunning cabinetry and GE CAFE & BOSCH appliances. The 3-way gas fireplace gives just the right ambience for any occasion. Updates include new floors, fresh paint, tankless gas water heater, water softener, garage cabinets, and RO.

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7012 N Via Nueva -- Scottsdale, AZ 85258

$675,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

2,179 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6762452

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Whether you're dining out, hitting the trails, or heading into town, this home's prime location ensures you're always connected to the best of Scottsdale living! Perfectly situated in the highly desirable McCormick Ranch, this beautifully updated 3-bedroom home offers the ultimate in convenience and lifestyle. Just steps from Scottsdale's best, you'll enjoy quick access to vibrant dining, boutique shopping, and renowned golf courses, all while being moments from the 101 freeway for easy commuting. Inside, the open and bright layout welcomes you with a spacious family room, cozy fireplace, and French doors leading to an oversized, covered patio—perfect for relaxing or entertaining. The modern kitchen, complete with quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a large island, connects effortlessly to both the dining and family rooms, creating a natural flow for gatherings. The primary suite offers dual sinks, a walk-in shower, and elegant quartz finishes. With no neighbors behind, you'll experience both privacy and proximity to everything McCormick Ranch has to offer. Just outside your door, enjoy biking and walking paths, the McCormick Ranch Golf Course, parks, and so much more.

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3132 E Austin Drive Gilbert, AZ 85296

$675,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,974 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6767052

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Shows like a model! 3-bedroom, plus den, 2-bathroom Maracay home in sought after Morrison Ranch and a great Gilbert location! Feels spacious with open floor plan, 10' high ceilings and 8' high doors throughout. Gorgeous 2022 complete kitchen remodel , quartz counters, large island, pantry, and stainless appliances. New flooring and baseboards in 2022. Built-ins in great rm and kids rm. Backyard is easy maintenance and comes with two raised garden/flower beds. Highly energy efficient with Low-E dual pane windows, SEER 14 A/C, dual thermostats, and natural gas water heater for low energy bills. Extended 2.5 car garage allows for large trucks to fit and gives extra storage. Great location near shops and restaurants! Multiple parks in the community including catch/release lake.

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15856 N 76th Avenue Peoria, AZ 85382

$675,000

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

3,201 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6779240

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Gorgeous home w/a tandem 3-car garage in highly desirable Tierra Buena Community close to freeways, shopping and great Peoria schools! Thoughtfully designed this rare gem is packed w/features you will love. Inviting living/dining room & open great room for entertaining. Spacious kitchen boasts abundant espresso cabinetry, SS appliances, butler's service area w/ walkin pantry, an island w/a breakfast bar, gas cooking, granite counters. Huge loft ideal for a TV/Game room. Main retreat is truly impressive, plush carpet, sitting room/bed 5, an ensuite w/dual sinks, & a walk-in closet., and stunning super shower! Completely remodeled backyard over $20k update has travertine and turf w/a covered patio great for alfresco dining enjoying peaceful moments outside. Newer Carpet, appliances&fans!

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5764 E Leonora Street Mesa, AZ 85215

$675,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,940 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769037

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Very spacious 2 master bedroom 2 baths on the 3rd hole of Apache Wells CC golf course. Great room style. Large kitchen with pullout shelving. Large island with storage on both sides. Breakfast bar, wet bar with small refrigerator. 2 sliders out onto covered patio with a gas grill. Owner owned commercial solar panels - According to SRP the last year high is $130 low $20. Over sized 2 car garage plus golf cart garage. Bring your buyers to see this great home.

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16376 W Glacier Court Surprise, AZ 85387

Open House

$675,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,872 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6769233

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

A MUST SEE!! This spacious Borgata model with custom casita has 3 BR/3 BA, great curb appeal w/Precision AlumWood covered courtyard and tons of upgrades. Custom Solid Front Door; custom electric code locks w/matte black hardware on 4 entry doors, all new Milgard windows & Patio door w/lifetime warranty; 3 bathrooms remodeled; HVAC 5 ton/15 Seer Trane 2024; 40 gal HWH 2022; Granite kitchen & casita sinks, kitchen has granite countertops, pantry, newer appliances, upgraded RO system, bay window in breakfast room. Lovely Primary bedroom with upgraded bathroom. Inside laundry has new custom cabinets. 2-car garage has new opener, custom cabinets and custom floor. 50 amp RV plug, long length driveway to accommodate your RV! Covered Aluma Wood Patio. Rock and surrounding walls outside. Custom texture on all concrete services. Private patio perfect for entertaining. This is a must see home!

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312 E Minton Drive Tempe, AZ 85282

Open House

$675,000

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,909 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6781649

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this fully renovated home in the best part of Tempe, offering easy freeway access to get everywhere. The spacious kitchen features an eat-in island, perfect for casual dining and gathering. Included is a second hidden prep sink for complex meals or cleaning up while hosting! Step into the backyard, where a sparkling pool and expansive covered patio await. Fantastic for entertaining guests or simply relaxing on cool evenings. With mature palms, raised planter beds, and an array of luxury features designed for comfort and fun, this home is perfect for those looking to enjoy the best of Tempe living! This permitted renovation includes tons band new systems like insulation, windows, plumbing, sewar lateral, pool equipment, and more. You'll enjoy years of low-maintenance bliss

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13280 S 183rd Avenue Goodyear, AZ 85338

Open House

$675,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

3,315 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6770072

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home in highly desired Estrella Mountain Ranch. This multi-level beauty has space for everyone with 3315 sq ft, featuring 5 bedrooms and 3 full baths on a huge 1/4 acre lot. An amazing backyard makes entertaining easy with the large swimming pool, hot tub, putting green and two patios to enjoy it all. Back inside, the beautiful kitchen boasts upgraded cabinetry, granite countertops, a center island and stainless-steel appliances. You will enjoy both formal and informal dining along with living and family room options. This home continues to impress with large bedrooms, walk-in closets, and ample storage everywhere you look. The primary bedroom is huge with great natural light and features both a walk-in shower, large soaking tub and an impressive closet. The laundry room has additional cabinetry along with a laundry sink, while the oversized 3 car garage features custom cabinets for even more storage. This home keeps on giving with a freshly painted interior and exterior, along with new tile flooring throughout! Estrella is a top-ranking master planned community with highly rated schools and a reputation for excellence. As a resident, you will enjoy Estrellas two community centers with community pools and splash pads, along with pickleball, tennis, basketball, and fitness centers, in addition to some of the most pristine hiking and biking trails in the valley along with a professionally managed golf course. This exceptional home and community has it all.

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16619 S 27th Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85045

Open House

$675,000

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

3,125 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6773372

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your dream home located in Foothills Reserve Community! With 4 beds, 3.5 baths, a 2-car garage, & a cozy front porch, it tastefully blends modern design & comfortable living. Beautifully upgraded interior boasts wood-look flooring, graceful archways, fresh neutral paint, soaring ceilings, clerestory windows, & a seamlessly flowing living & dining room ideal for receiving guests. Harmonious great room offers a clear view of the backyard. Open-concept kitchen is equipped with abundant cabinetry topped with crown moulding, recessed lighting, SS appliances, desk area, a prep island with a breakfast bar, & granite counters. Sizable loft is excellent for a study or TV area. Spacious primary retreat features an ensuite with two vanities, a separate shower & tub, & a walk-in closet. PLUS! 2nd main bedroom, with its own bathroom, provides privacy for guests. Enjoy fantastic mountain views from the serene backyard with a covered patio & artificial turf. This gem is ready for you to move in & enjoy!

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27794 N Sierra Sky Drive Peoria, AZ 85383

Open House

$675,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

3,081 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6767127

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to this exceptional 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom residence in Westwing Mountain, featuring a private pool and stunning curb appeal with low-maintenance landscaping. The well-appointed kitchen boasts sleek stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and a central island perfect for casual dining and entertaining. Ample pantry space provides additional storage.Ascend to the second level to find the luxurious primary suite, complete with dual sinks, a separate soaking tub, and a spacious walk-in closet. The thoughtful floor plan promotes seamless indoor and outdoor entertaining, with easy access to the covered patio and inviting pool area. This home offers numerous inviting spaces for relaxation and social gatherings. Conveniently located just minutes from hiking trails and parks, this property is a true oasis for both comfort and recreation.

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29621 N 129th Lane Peoria, AZ 85383

Open House

$675,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,580 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6760570

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

STUNNING 'Monaco' model located on a gorgeous WASH LOT with partial GOLF COURSE VIEWS. This home has 2 Beds, 2 Baths + Den. Large, open floor plan is perfect for entertaining.Kitchen includes NEW LG French-door refrigerator, Premium Staggered Cabinets w/ convenient roll out drawers, trash/recycle, large pantry and R/O. PRIVATE BACKYARD boasts a COVERED PATIO with lovely TRAVERTINE Pavers. Patio overlooks a gorgeous HEATED POOL WITH WATERFALL, with Desert WASH & Partial GOLF COURSE view. FULLY FENCED wrought iron view fence. Resort living at its finest. PREPAID LEASED SOLAR-6.16 kW (Installed 2014) SheaXero Energy Efficient. EXTERIOR HOME, Fence & Garage Door PAINTED 2023. 4 FT. EXTENSION in garage, Epoxy & built in CABINETS, Softwater System & Pedestrian Door. Incredible CURB APPEAL! PAVER FRONT WALKWAY/PORCH, professionally landscaped with artificial turf in the front & back with PVC drip system & automatic timer. The den includes CUSTOM BUILT-IN bookshelves, work area, filing cabinet that overlooks the exquisite backyard & endless views. Both Bedrooms include CALIFORNIA CLOSETS Custom organizing systems, NEW TILE in Primary Bed and great views of backyard. Great Room has Custom built-in entertainment media center with crown molding, Surround sound with subwoofer. Perfect for entertaining inside & out. Make this dream home your own. This home is located in award-winning gated, 55+ Trilogy at Vistancia with 5-star-resort style amenities at the 35,000 SF Kiva Club with indoor & outdoor pools, fitness center, day spa, cafe, billiards, meeting rooms, library, tennis courts, pickle ball, bocce ball, events & a plethora of activities to choose from. Outstanding Gary Panks-designed golf course is woven throughout the original part of the neighborhood. The Mita Club has additional outstanding community amenities. Easy access from Trilogy to the 303, shopping, restaurants, entertainment, Lake Pleasant & Paloma Park, Peoria's huge community park loaded with amenities.

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6351 E Waltann Lane Scottsdale, AZ 85254

$674,999

3 Beds

2 Baths

1,587 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6755121

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Looking for a MOVE IN ready home in the magic zip code of 85254? THIS IS IT! Welcome to Waltann Ln .. an updated 3 bedroom, 2 bath home ready for you to bring your clothes, put up your feet, relax and enjoy. With an open floor plan .. but plenty of separate spaces .. a fantastic kitchen that overlooks the backyard and den .. and perfectly sized bedrooms .. this home is perfect as a primary home, a home away from home or as an investment property. In the backyard, you'll find a refreshing play pool, an above ground hot tub, fire pit and a fantastic covered patio for some al-fresco dining. With NO HOA, easy access to the 101 and 51 and minutes from the amazing shopping and dining at Kierland, Scottsdale Quarter and Desert Ridge .. Waltann Ln is sure to be the one.

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