What to Do When Your Appraisal Comes in Low

What to Do When Your Appraisal Comes in Low

In a rapidly rising market like Arlington, sometimes the 'comps' can't keep up with the prices. If your appraisal comes in below the contract price, don't panic.

Your Options

• Rebuttal: Your agent can provide the appraiser with more recent, higher sales that may have been missed.
• Negotiate: The seller might agree to lower the price, or you might meet in the middle.
• Cover the Gap: The buyer pays the difference in cash (the 'Appraisal Gap Guarantee').

Why it Happens

Appraisers look at past data, but in 2021, prices are moving faster than the data can reflect. Having an agent who knows how to fight a low appraisal is critical.