Buying Process: Step 10
Appraisal & Lender Review:
When you’re buying a home, your lender will order a home appraisal. A licensed appraiser visits the property and evaluates its current market value based on factors like:
Size, condition, and layout of the home
Upgrades or renovations
Comparable sales nearby (“comps”)
Location, lot size, and neighborhood trends
The appraiser then creates a report that tells the lender the estimated value of the home.
Why This Matters: The lender uses the appraisal to confirm the home is worth the price you’re paying.
If the appraisal comes in at or above your offer, the loan process moves forward smoothly.
If the appraisal comes in below your offer, you may need to:
Renegotiate the price with the seller
Increase your down payment to cover the difference
Walk away if contingencies allow