How Do Home Appraisals Impact the Buying Process?

Appraisals ensure that the home’s value aligns with the agreed-upon purchase price. In my experience, lenders use appraisals to confirm that they’re not loaning more than a property is worth. If the appraisal comes in low, it can cause delays or renegotiations between the buyer and seller.

A good agent anticipates appraisal challenges by pricing the home accurately and supporting it with strong comparable data. If a low appraisal does occur, there are options—buyers can dispute it, increase their down payment, or ask the seller to adjust the price. Understanding the appraisal process helps avoid unnecessary surprises and keeps deals on track.