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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17923 N Catalina Court Surprise, AZ 85374

Open House

$669,000

2 Beds

2 Baths

2,035 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6761004

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Arizona Living at Its Finest! Discover this beautifully refreshed Verbena Model, offering 2 spacious bedrooms, 2 updated baths, and a large den—perfect for a home office or additional living space. Situated on an expansive lot in a quiet cul-de-sac, this home is designed for both relaxation and entertainment. The secluded backyard oasis includes a private swimming pool, an extended patio with a new gas BBQ, and a cozy gas fire pit, perfect for outdoor gatherings under the Arizona sky. Inside, you'll find new carpet in both bedrooms and plantation shutters, adding style and comfort. The primary bedroom offers a peaceful retreat with an updated bathroom for modern living.Enjoy the convenience of easy access from the garage directly into the kitchen, making grocery trips a a breeze. Updated gas furnace, air handler, and hot water tank, ensuring your home is both efficient and low-maintenance. Golf lovers will appreciate the prime location near Granite Falls North's 3rd Hole and Granite Falls South's 7th Hole. Don't miss your chance to own this fantastic Arizona property!

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838 E Harvard Avenue Gilbert, AZ 85234

$668,900

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,733 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6706778

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This property features four spacious bedrooms, including a convenient downstairs bedroom and a luxurious primary suite upstairs. The loft overlooks a grand living room, offering an open and airy feel. The farmhouse-style kitchen is a chef's delight, perfectly blending rustic charm with modern amenities. The family room, complete with a cozy fireplace, is ideal for gatherings and relaxation. Architectural creativity shines throughout this home, with the primary suite boasting a modern design, a custom barn door bathroom enclosure, a garden tub, and a separate shower. Step outside to your own private oasis: an expansive backyard with artificial turf, diving pool, large yard, built-in BBQ, and a dedicated dog-run. New AC and Pool Pump 2022 EV Hookup in 3 car garage. New roof 10/2024 Located on a corner lot in a tranquil cul-de-sac, this home promises both privacy and community charm. This home is ideally situated close to Freestone Park in the coveted Circle G Meadows community. With no HOA and plenty of room for your RV and toys, you'll enjoy both convenience and freedom. Don't miss the opportunity to own this unique, beautifully designed home! Seller is willing to contribute flooring allowance to enhance a cohesive look throughout.

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3131 N Central Avenue Unit 3012 Phoenix, AZ 85012

$668,880

2 Beds

2 Baths

1,419 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6629974

Property Type Apartment

Price Type --

*Construction Completed* 5% BUYER INCENTIVE! Introducing Edison Midtown Phase 2 with 60 new construction condominiums. This spacious two bedroom plus den condo offers ten ft. ceilings, an open floor plan, and large master bedroom with ensuite bathroom. Chefs kitchen offers expansive cabinetry, quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances including a gas range. Edison Midtown features incredible amenities for that perfect Urbanite lifestyle. A beautiful pool and lap pool, 2000 sq. ft. fitness center and lounge, and gated parking garage.

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2440 W Rowel Road Phoenix, AZ 85085

$668,680

4 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,511 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6748781

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

NEW HOME at Aster! This home offers 2,511 sq ft of living space with 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, large 2-car garage, walk-in closets in every bedroom and the primary and secondary bedrooms feature their own ensuite bathrooms for added privacy and comfort This home features the Elevated Design package of upgrades, including 42' White cabinets, quartz countertops, custom backsplash, large island, luxury vinyl plank and tile floors, stainless-steel GE Profile kitchen appliances and single bowl sink. Bathrooms have quartz countertops & Kohler undermount sinks. Quality and energy efficient tankless hot water heater, Tech Shield roof barrier & wet cellulose insulation. Union Park, residents can indulge in amenities including a resort, pool, clubhouse, Pickleball courts, playgrounds and more

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12312 W Luxton Lane Avondale, AZ 85323

$668,000

4 Beds

3 Baths

2,497 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6696707

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This 4-bedroom 3-bathroom home that boasts 10 foot ceilings, 8 foot interior doors and a 3 car garage. Designer finishes throughout make this home as beautiful as it is functional. The gourmet kitchen features an oversized island, upgraded countertops and cabinets and GE stainless steel appliances. You will love the finishes throughout the home including designer selected tile flooring, upgraded carpet and pad in all bedrooms and gorgeous backsplash in the kitchen and Owner's Bath. Find time for yourself in your huge Owner's Retreat with a large bathroom featuring a Super Shower with tile surrounds and oversized walk in closet. Your 16' multi-slide glass door opens to a large covered patio and oversized backyard. 2x6 construction and extensive new home warranty.

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3802 W Mission Lane Phoenix, AZ 85051

$668,000

7 Beds

4 Baths

2,618 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6763951

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Calling all Investors, This turn-key house provides immediate cash flow, with individual rooms already rented out. (pad split). The property includes six fully furnished bedrooms designed for maximum rental income, as well as a separate one-bedroom, one-bath guest house. This arrangement provides flexible living options and helps to offset mortgage costs while generating a reliable income stream. With its appealing features and prime location, this property serves as both a smart investment and a cozy home.

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3734 E Rochelle Circle Mesa, AZ 85215

$667,970

4 Beds

3 Baths

1,972 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6761892

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

End of year builder inventory closeout, price cut to sell. Charming Farmhouse style in new gated infill neighborhood. EOY completion Great infill location with desirable schools, EZ freeway access during the weekdays and a great gateway location for the weekends to head to the Salt River watershed lakes, mountains or a local hike! Nice finishes: 8' IRON front door, KitchenAid appliance pkg, white Shaker style cabinets with tall uppers w/ LED lights underneath Thick quartz kitchen tops, Subway tile backsplash. Wood look tile throughout, NO CARPET! 3 car tandem garage features a side door with paver path to front driveway. Stereo and Security prewire. 8' interior doors with oil rubbed bronze hardware and fixtures. Builder finance incentives. Taxes est. Most pics are of a model home

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15402 W Old Oak Lane Surprise, AZ 85379

$667,400

4 Beds

2.5 Baths

3,529 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6765107

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

WELCOME TO MARLEY PARK WHERE YOU WILL FIND THE PLEASURE OF FINE LIVING. COME VISIT THIS AMAZING HOME AND FALL IN LOVE WITH IT. BEAUTIFUL UPGRADES: TILE FLOORING,GRANITE COUNTER TOPS,WHITE CABINETES,BACKSPLASH TILE,SS APPLIANCES, SPACIOUS ROOMS: DINNING,BEDROOMS & FAMILY RM. ENJOY THE OUTDOOR ON YOUR OWN POOL AND COVER PATIO WITH UPGRADES TO DELIGHT YOUR VIEW. WORDS ARE NOT ENOUGH TO DESCRIBE THIS BEAUTY.SOLAR PANELS ARE PAID OFF.YOU MUST IMMERSE YOURSELF IN IT. UPSTAIRS LOFT HAS BEEN USED AS A 2ND MASTER BEDROOM.

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2442 W Rowel Road Phoenix, AZ 85085

$667,100

3 Beds

3.5 Baths

2,455 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6785157

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Welcome to your NEW HOME at Aster in Union Park! 2,455 sq ft of living space with 3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, Loft and a 2-car garage. All three bedrooms have their own bathroom. Highly upgraded Elite package of upgrades including 42'' white cabinets, quartz countertops, custom backsplash, a large island, GE Profile stainless-steel gas appliances & single bowl sink. Upgraded carpet, LVP and tile flooring & undermount Kohler bathroom sinks. Large 2 car garage with 18' wide door. Union Park, residents can indulge in amenities including a 5800 sq ft clubhouse, Resort pool, Pickleball courts, playgrounds, basketball courts and 11 Parks. Central Location to nearby shopping, dining and entertainment. Access to 3 different freeways within 15 minutes and be at the airport in 30 minutes.

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2726 S Rita Lane Tempe, AZ 85282

$667,000

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,481 SqFt

Status Active Under Contract

MLS # 6771207

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

This beautiful home located in the heart of Tempe boasts five bedrooms and three full bathrooms in a split floor plan. As you walk into an open living room there is a formal dining room off to the side. It has a spacious updated kitchen with plenty of cabinets and a premium induction range and double oven among other state of the art appliances. This home has two master bedrooms, one with a large soaking tub. All bathrooms are updated, and all the bedrooms are large with plenty of closet space, plus 2 hall closets and additional cabinet storage along the hallway.There is a sun/Arizona room that has A/C giving you more space and living area. The home has large front and back yards with easy to keep irrigated landscaping. The home is close to ASU and downtown Tempe, and sits in a good neighborhood for walking and with nearby parks. This home is perfect for any lifestyle but would also make an excellent investment property with close proximity to ASU, and Tempe dining and retail. It is also conveniently near Mesa shopping and Asian grocery markets, and with Scottsdale just a short drive away. Welcome to your Next Home!

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7824 E Quintana Avenue Mesa, AZ 85212

New

$665,515

5 Beds

3 Baths

2,883 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6788443

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

MLS#6788443 March 2025 Completion! The Winsor is a thoughtfully designed 2-story floor plan offering 2,883 sq. ft. of living space with 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a 2-car garage, and a versatile loft. As the second largest design in the Discovery Collection at Hawes Crossing, this home features a bright formal dining room at the front, perfect for enjoying natural light. The open-concept kitchen, dining area, and great room provide an ideal setting for entertaining family and friends. A multi-generational suite on the main floor includes its own bathroom and living space, while the remaining bedrooms and a customizable loft—perfect for a playroom, study, or additional living area—are upstairs. The primary suite offers a spacious walk-in closet and double sinks, delivering comfort and convenience for modern living. Structural options include: multi-gen suite, formal dining.

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1227 W Golden Ore Pass Apache Junction, AZ 85120

$665,208

5 Beds

4 Baths

3,488 SqFt

Status Active

MLS # 6740174

Property Type Single Family Residence

Price Type --

Discover the exceptional difference in your home-buying experience! Welcome to Mariposa at Blossom Rock, where our 2-story Skylar design is under construction now. Open-concept floor plan featuring huge and welcoming kitchen that flows into a bright, spacious great room that opens up to your private, covered outdoor room. Downstairs office and additional flex room. Convenience of the 4-car garage with 5 spacious bedrooms, 4 luxurious baths, a great room with a dining area, this home has room for everything! Plus, we're including $43,000 in stunning upgrades to make this home truly special, and we're offering special financing to help. Home completion is estimated in October 2024

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