Why Some Homes Appraise Low—and What You Can Do About It

By Tina Curtis, REALTOR® | Interior Designer

In a perfect world, every home would appraise exactly at (or above) the agreed purchase price.
But real estate isn't a perfect world—it’s a moving market.

Sometimes, a low appraisal can happen even when the home is worth every penny emotionally to the buyer. The good news? There are strategies to prevent, respond to, and overcome low appraisals without losing the deal—or your mind.

Here’s what you need to know:

Why Low Appraisals Happen

Even strong, well-priced homes can sometimes appraise low because:

• Rapid Market Shifts: If homes have appreciated quickly, appraisers may not have enough closed comps to support the higher value yet.

• Unique or Upgraded Properties: If your home is highly customized or unique, it may be hard to find “similar” comps.

• Condition vs. Expectations: If an appraiser doesn’t perceive upgrades (or notices issues unseen in photos), it can drag value down.

• Strict Lending Requirements: FHA, VA, or other government-backed loans often require conservative valuations for borrower protection.
  
  

💡 Important: Appraisers work for the lender, not the buyer or seller. Their job is risk mitigation—not maximizing value.

How I Help Prevent Low Appraisals

Prevention is always the goal. Here’s what I do before the appraiser ever steps foot inside:

• Provide a Value Package: I give the appraiser comps, upgrades list, and a marketing overview highlighting your home’s strengths.

• Stage for Perception: Appraisers are human. A staged, spotless, well-lit home leaves a stronger impression (and can subconsciously influence perceived value).

• Coordinate Access: I meet the appraiser (when possible) to answer questions, provide clarifications, and ensure they understand the context.

If the Appraisal Comes in Low: Your Options

1. Challenge the Appraisal:
   Provide additional comps, highlight upgrades, and ask for a reconsideration of value.

2. Negotiate the Gap:
   Seller can lower the price, buyer can bring additional cash, or both sides can split the difference.

3. Walk Away (As Last Resort):
   If an agreement isn’t possible, some contracts allow buyers to exit without penalty.

With the right preparation, low appraisals are the exception—not the rule. And when they happen, I’m ready to negotiate smartly and protect your interests.

Let’s Talk About How I Position Homes to Appraise Strong

The right strategy protects you before, during, and after the sale.

→ Schedule your Home Value + Appraisal Prep Consultation with Tina Curtis by texting 405-219-1857 now!