A Guide on How to Challenge Low Home Appraisals in Cash Sales

Are you in the process of selling a home? If so, one crucial step that can make or break the deal is the home appraisal. 

Not all homes must be appraised. For cash buyers, you can opt out. This often occurs when home prices are up and inventory is low. However, if you are financing your new home, you will have to get an appraisal. 

Most housing experts agree, as well, that if you are paying for your house in cash, it's still a good idea to know its worth. (1) Obtaining an appraisal will not only help you make an informed decision but also give you leverage in negotiating a better deal.  However, what does it mean when the appraisal comes in lower than expected? This can be a common situation property owners face, leaving them puzzled and feeling stuck.

Additionally, if you are selling your home to Baltimore house buyers and the appraisal comes in low, it can delay or even cancel the sale. Herein are some strategies you can use to challenge a low home appraisal in a cash sale and ultimately get the most value for your property.

The first step to challenging a low appraisal is to carefully review the appraisal report and check for any errors or discrepancies. This includes double-checking the property details, such as square footage, the exact number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and any recent renovations. It is also important to look at comparable properties used in the appraisal and make sure they are truly similar to the subject property. If you find any mistakes or inaccuracies, you can request a reconsideration of value from the appraiser. 

To effectively review the appraisal report, make sure to thoroughly go through each section and take notes of any concerns you have. It may also be helpful to consult with a professional to get a second opinion. When requesting a reconsideration of value from the appraiser, provide detailed documentation and evidence to support your request. This could include any upgrades made to the subject property that were not taken into account in the initial appraisal.

Gather Evidence of Recent Comparable Sales

One of the most effective strategies for challenging a low home appraisal is to gather evidence of recent comparable sales to we buy houses Baltimore firms in the area. This is important because it will give you a better understanding of the current market trends and prices. You can use this information to argue that the appraiser is undervaluing your property and provide evidence of similar homes in the same neighborhood that have sold for a higher price. Make sure to gather as much data as possible, including the sale date, price, and condition of the homes. 

To effectively carry out this strategy, you can start by doing your research on recent sales to house buyers in Baltimore. You can use online real estate databases to gather information, or search access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Once you have gathered evidence of comparable sales, you can present it to the appraiser and explain why you believe your home should be appraised at a higher value. Be prepared to provide specific details and make a case for why your property should be valued higher, backed up by solid data and evidence. 

Provide Supporting Documentation

In addition to researching the local market and highlighting unique features, it is important to provide the appraiser with any other relevant documentation that can contribute to a higher appraisal value. This supporting documentation can include recent home inspections, property tax assessments, or even previous appraisals done on the property. This documentation can help provide context and additional evidence to support your case for a higher appraisal value. 

When providing supporting documentation, make sure it is recent and accurately represents the current value of the property. If you had a recent home inspection done that highlighted any major repairs or issues, make sure to address these with the appraiser and provide them with photos or repair estimates. Similarly, if your property tax assessment shows a higher value than the appraisal, make sure to bring this to the appraiser's attention. 

Consider Hiring a Private Appraiser 

Sometimes, the appraiser assigned to your home may not be familiar with the local market or may have a different valuation approach than you expected. In these situations, it may be beneficial to hire a private appraiser to conduct a second appraisal. This can be a smart strategy as it allows you to compare the two appraisals and potentially challenge the lower one. Additionally, a private appraiser may have more knowledge and experience in the local market, and can provide a more accurate appraisal of your property. 

To effectively carry out this strategy, make sure to choose an appraiser who is certified and has a good reputation. You can ask for recommendations from house buyers Baltimore, friends, or family members who have recently bought or sold a house in the area. Once you have received a second appraisal, you can compare it to the original one and use any discrepancies or differences to contest the lower appraisal. Make sure to also carefully review the details of the second appraisal and ask questions if anything doesn't seem accurate or fair.

Request a Reconsideration of Value

Cash house buyers in Baltimore advise that if you believe the appraiser has undervalued your home without sufficient evidence, you have the right to request a reconsideration of value. This strategy involves submitting a written appeal to the lender, explaining why you believe the appraisal is unfair or inaccurate. This can be a decisive tool as it allows you to present your case directly to the lender, who ultimately decides whether to accept the appraisal or not. By providing strong arguments and evidence, you may be able to challenge a low home appraisal successfully. 

To effectively carry out this strategy, make sure to thoroughly review the appraisal report and identify any errors or discrepancies. You can also ask for a copy of the appraiser's guidelines and review them to ensure they were followed correctly. In your written appeal, make sure to clearly state your reasons for disputing the appraisal and provide supporting evidence.