fbpx
Handling an Appraisal Gap
An appraisal gap describes the difference between the sales price and the lower amount of the appraisal required by the mortgage being obtained by the buyer. It becomes an issue if the seller is not willing to lower the price or the buyer is not willing to pay the difference in cash. Looking at the […]
Handling an Appraisal Gap
An appraisal gap describes the difference between the sales price and the lower amount of the appraisal required by the mortgage being obtained by the buyer. It becomes an issue if the seller is not willing to lower the price or the buyer is not willing to pay the difference in cash. Looking at the […]

bc8411bf-a515-43ab-be73-955825e8a4b3.jpg

An appraisal gap describes the difference between the sales price and the lower amount of the appraisal required by the mortgage being obtained by the buyer. It becomes an issue if the seller is not willing to lower the price or the buyer is not willing to pay the difference in cash.

Looking at the issue from the seller’s perspective, "if the buyer wants my home and he can’t get the loan he wants, he’ll have to make up the difference in cash." The buyer might have a different view like "If an independent appraiser can’t justify the price, I’m not going to pay more than appraised value."

  1. Pay the difference in the appraised value and the purchase price in cash.
    Solution – Assuming the buyer has adequate cash reserves and is willing to pay above appraised value, this will satisfy the lender.
  2. Decrease your down payment percentage to apply toward the appraisal gap. It may trigger mortgage insurance which will increase your payment.
    Example:
    $400,000 Sales Price with 20% down payment of $80,000; Home appraises for $390,000
    Possible solution … buyer could take $10,000 of the $80,000 he was going to use for the down payment and make up the gap. That only leaves him $70,000 which is a good downpayment for this size home, but it may require that he pay mortgage insurance because the loan-to-value is more than 80%.
  3. Renegotiate the contract with the seller. Assuming both parties are willing to negotiate on the terms, the seller could lower the price to the appraised value, or any other number of possibilities.
  4. Include an appraisal gap clause – "Buyer and seller agree that if the appraised value comes in lower than the purchase price, buyer agrees to pay up to $XX,000 above appraised value, but not exceeding the purchase price."

    An appraisal gap clause addresses what the buyer is willing to do within the parameters included. It provides limited comfort to both the seller and buyer to address the issue of the home appraising for a lower amount than necessary. This clause provides a way for the buyer to compete in a seller’s market.

  5. Terminate the contract.

Appraisals can be a confusing but necessary part of the process when the buyer needs a mortgage. I’m available to answer any questions and share our experience with you. Our goal is to be your source of real estate information.

LIST OF BLOGS

Adams Walk HOA

History of Adams Walk HOA Incorporation and Development: Adams Walk Homeowners Association, Inc., was incorporated on May 17, 1984, according to Bizapedia records. This places its establishment during a period when suburban growth was significant across Northern...

Accotink Bluff Estates Homeowners Association

History of Accotink Bluff Estates Accotink Bluff Estates, nestled in the Springfield area of Fairfax County, Virginia, represents a community with a history tied to the broader development trends of Northern Virginia. The neighborhood, like many in Fairfax County, was...

Overview of Abbotts Wood Homeowners Association in Fairfax County

Comprehensive Overview of Abbotts Wood Homeowners Association in Fairfax County   Introduction to Abbotts Wood HOA Abbotts Wood Homeowners Association (HOA) is located within Fairfax County, Virginia, a region known for its diverse community associations...

Overview of Apartments at Regents Park

Overview of Apartments at Regents Park Location and Accessibility: Address: 9333 Clocktower Pl, Fairfax, VA 22031, USA Proximity to Public Transit: The complex is notably close to the Vienna Metro Station, making it an ideal spot for those commuting into Washington...

Annandale Acres HOA in Fairfax County

Overview of Annandale Acres HOA Location and Community: Annandale Acres is situated within the Annandale Census Designated Place (CDP) in Fairfax County, Virginia. The community consists of approximately 120 single-family homes spread across 150 acres. It was...

What is an HOA Contingency and how does it work

An HOA (Homeowners Association) inspection contingency in Virginia real estate is a contractual clause that allows buyers to review the governing documents and financial health of a homeowners association before finalizing the purchase of a property. Here's how it...

A home inspection contingency what it entails and how it’s used

A home inspection contingency in real estate transactions in Virginia is a clause in the purchase agreement that allows buyers to conduct a thorough examination of the property before finalizing the purchase. Here's a summary of what it entails and how it's used:...

What is an Appraisal Contingency in Real Estate

An appraisal gap contingency in real estate transactions in Virginia is a clause included in a purchase agreement that addresses the scenario where the home's appraised value comes in lower than the agreed purchase price. This contingency protects buyers by allowing...

RECENT POSTS

Adams Walk HOA

History of Adams Walk HOA Incorporation and Development: Adams Walk Homeowners Association, Inc.,...

ABOUT  TWENTY
THREE HOMES

The Twenty Three Homes are one of the premiere real estate groups locally, nationally and internationally, specifically dealing with high-end properties and exclusive clientele. Partner with Keller Williams Twenty Three Homes are full service real estate experts whose clients benefit from the custom tailored, hands on service while receiving all the exclusive amenities and resources of one of the most established and respected firms in the business.

GET IN TOUCH