What if the Appraisal Comes in Low?

It Didn’t Appraise. Now What?

This one came from a seller in Pembroke Pines — but honestly, it’s one of the top questions I get in every market:

Whether the market’s moving fast or slowing down, this scenario comes up more than you’d think.

The buyer and seller agree on a price… but the appraiser doesn’t see it the same way. Now you’ve got a gap to deal with.

Here’s how that plays out — and how to handle it like a pro.

5 Ways to Handle a Low Appraisal

If the appraisal comes in lower than the contract price, here are your options — from strongest to trickiest:

1. Challenge the Appraisal
   It’s not easy, but it’s not impossible either.

   If the appraiser used poor comps, missed features, or just plain messed up, we can dispute it — if we know what we’re doing.

   You’ll want an agent who can speak “appraiser” fluently.

2. Buyer Pays the Difference
   The buyer can bring extra cash to the table to cover the gap between appraisal and contract price.

   It takes motivation — and often some education — but it’s very doable if they really want the house.

3. Split the Difference
   Classic compromise.

   The seller comes down, the buyer brings up more cash, and we land somewhere in the middle.

   No one loves it — but it saves the deal and gets both parties to the finish line.

4. Seller Reduces the Price
   You drop to the appraised value and keep it moving.

   Clean, simple, and sometimes the best play if time or certainty is a priority.

5. Cancel the Contract
   Worst case.

   Deal falls apart, deposit goes back to the buyer, and you’re back to square one.

   Nobody wants this — but it’s better than dragging a dead deal down the road.

Takeaway:

Appraisals don’t always match the market — especially in neighborhoods with lots of upgrades or recent price shifts.

This isn’t just about the numbers — it’s about knowing how to pivot without panicking.

What I’d Tell a Friend

If your home doesn’t appraise, don’t assume it’s over.

There’s almost always a path forward — if you’ve got someone guiding the process who’s been through this before.

Thinking about selling but nervous about all the moving parts?

Let’s build a plan before you list — one that keeps you in control no matter what the market throws at you.

No pressure. No hard pitch. Just strategy.

Let’s schedule a Strategy Session.