What Should I Do If the Appraisal Comes in Low

By /

What Should I Do If the Appraisal Comes in Low

1. Ask the Seller to Lower the Price

If the home appraises for less than what you offered, your lender won’t finance the full purchase amount. One of the first steps is to negotiate with the seller to lower the price to match the appraised value. Sellers often agree—especially if they want to keep the deal alive and avoid putting the home back on the market.

2. Challenge the Appraisal If You Spot an Error

Think the appraiser missed something? You’re allowed to dispute the appraisal. Your lender can request a reconsideration or even order a second opinion. This is where your real estate agent becomes your MVP—they can provide comparable sales data that supports your original offer and helps make your case.

3. Bring Extra Cash to Cover the Gap

If the seller won’t budge and the appraisal stands, you can still move forward by increasing your down payment to cover the difference between the appraised value and the purchase price. This isn’t always ideal, but it’s an option if you’re in love with the home and financially prepared.

Facing a Low Appraisal? Let’s Build a Winning Strategy

📘 Download our free “First-Time Buyer Game Plan” eBook — includes a step-by-step guide to appraisal challenges
💬 Chat live now with our team to explore your best next move
📞 Schedule a quick call to walk through your numbers and negotiation options with a Stairway Mortgage advisor

At Stairway Mortgage, we turn bumps in the road into smart decisions.
You’ve got this—and we’ve got your back.

Ready to Take Your First Step?

Skip the guesswork. Take our quick Discovery Quiz to uncover your top financial priorities, so we can guide you toward the wealth-building strategies that fit your life.

  • Takes just 5 minutes
  • Tailored results based on your answers
  • No credit check required
Take the Discovery Quiz

Need a Pre-Approval Letter—Fast?

Buying a home soon? Complete our short form and we’ll connect you with the best loan options for your target property and financial situation—fast.

  • Only 2 minutes to complete
  • Quick turnaround on pre-approval
  • No credit score impact
Get Pre-Approved Now

Got a Few Questions First?

Let’s talk it through. Book a call and one of our friendly advisors will be in touch to guide you personally.

Schedule a Call

Related Posts

Scroll to Top