An appraisal is the opinion of an appraiser, who estimates the value of a home at a specific point in time for the purpose of financing or refinancing a home. Typically, the bank assigns an approved appraiser to do the appraisal. To make sure the appraiser has all the information, you (or your agent) can provide the appraiser with relevant market data that demonstrates the value of the property. Learn more about the appraisal process on this page.
The High Cost of Low Appraisals
There is a high cost of low appraisals. If you are trying to do a cash-out refinance loan and your appraisal comes in too low, there could have to pay for a second appraisal or your loan application might not be approved. That's what happened to one of our readers. The High Cost of Low [...]
Appraisal Value Prevents Mortgage Financing
If you don't receive mortgage financing under the current terms of a contract, what can you do? Should you renegotiate or back out of the contract? The terms of your real estate contract may include provisions that will allow you different options.
Bad Appraisal Of Home Value Leads To Loss Of Earnest Money
Mortgage lenders require appraisals before issuing home loans. What happens if the home you want to buy appraises lower than what the seller wants? It depends on the contract. The buyer may lose his earnest money if the home does not appraise out and the seller is unwilling to lower the price. It's up to the buyer to cancel the home buying contract if the contract permits him to do that.
Selling For Lower Than Home Value
A seller asks about selling his home for a lower home value than its appraisal value. He wonders if selling for a lower home value could be illegal. A wrong home value could lead to mortgage fraud or call the appraisal into question.
Mortgage Company Appraisal Comes In Low
A home seller accepted an offer on her home when the buyer's mortgage company appraised the property at a lower value. The rising level of foreclosures and defaults is forcing mortgage lenders to be more careful about appraisals and making sure homes are really worth what buyers want to pay. It might be beneficial to have another appraiser look at the house.
Give Gift Of Land With Quit Claim Deed
Land can be given as a gift through the use of a quit claim deed. No taxes need to be paid if the gift is valued at less than $12,000. You might need an appraisal to prove the value of the land to the IRS.
Real Estate Minute: Online Appraisals
Real Estate Minute with Ilyce Glink Does an online appraisal replace a real one? Original Air Date: July 13, 2006
Fake Appraisal Constitutes Real Estate Fraud
When you sell your home an appraiser will conduct an appraisal to help the lender determine how much of a mortgage loan to grant to the home buyer. It's illegal for a home buyer to get a mortgage in excess of the home's sale price, especially if the mortgage loan is based on an inaccurate appraisal. When the home buyer wants the home seller to return some of the mortgage loan money it may become fraud. In a situation such as this it's critical for the home seller to contact an attorney.
Mortgage Denied Due To Low Appraisal
Many, but not all, real estate contracts include a provision allowing some time for a buyer to obtain financing for the purchase of a home. If within the time allotted a buyer is unable to obtain financing and the seller is notified, the contract is terminated and the buyer receives a full return of any deposit. Usually, this right to terminate a contract if you are unable to obtain financing is called a mortgage contingency.