When you're selling or refinancing your home, the outcome of the home appraisal is a significant determinant of your property’s actual worth in the eyes of lenders and buyers. However, sometimes the appraised value comes in lower than expected, which can be a cause for concern and frustration. A low valuation can kill a sale, reduce the amount you can borrow for a refinance, or affect your home equity line. But what can you do if you strongly believe that your home's appraised value is unfairly low? Here are actionable steps to dispute a home appraisal, and work towards a value you believe better reflects your home's worth.
Understanding the Appraisal Process
Before disputing an appraisal, it's important to understand how the process works. An appraiser will evaluate the house based on a variety of factors including size, location, condition, and comparable home sales (comps) in the area. They are tasked with providing an unbiased opinion of value to protect the lender’s interest in the property.
Review the Appraisal Report Thoroughly
Your first step is to go through the appraisal report with a fine-tooth comb. Check for any errors in the report, such as incorrect square footage, missing bedrooms or bathrooms, and lot size discrepancies. Evaluate whether the comparable homes used in the valuation are genuinely similar to yours.
Prepare Your Dispute Claim
To challenge the appraisal effectively, you need to come up with compelling evidence. Collect data on recently sold homes in your neighborhood that are similar to yours in terms of features, size, and condition. If these homes were sold at higher prices than your appraisal, this information could support your claim.
Understanding Market Trends
Real estate markets can shift rapidly, and it’s crucial to ensure that the appraisal reflects current market conditions. Present any evidence of rising market trends that may not have been fully considered in the appraisal.
Document Home Improvements
If you've made significant improvements to your home, list them and note their added value. Provide receipts, permits, and before-and-after photographs to substantiate these claims. Renovations that improve your home's structure, aesthetics, or functionality can all contribute to a higher valuation.
Communicate with Your Lender
Once your documentation is ready, contact your lender to request a formal appraisal review. Lenders have appraisal dispute processes in place, and it's essential to adhere to them when submitting your documentation.
Consider a Second Opinion
If you’re still not satisfied after discussing the appraisal with your lender, you can consider paying for a second appraisal yourself. Make sure to hire an experienced and certified appraiser who is familiar with the local market.
Work with a Real Estate Agent
A knowledgeable real estate agent can offer assistance throughout the appraisal dispute. They understand market conditions and can provide additional comparables or insights that you may have missed.
Escalating the Dispute
Should the initial dispute efforts not yield results, homeowners can escalate the matter by filing complaints with state appraisal boards, or even considering legal action as a last resort. However, it’s important to weigh the potential costs and benefits of such actions.
Be Proactive
It's always better to be proactive rather than reactive. Providing as much information and documentation to the appraiser during the initial visit can help in avoiding a low valuation in the first place.
Conclusion
Disputing a home appraisal requires a thoughtful approach and thorough preparation. By reviewing the appraisal report, gathering substantial evidence, understanding the market trends, documenting home improvements, and effectively communicating with your lender, you can increase your chances of achieving a more favorable outcome. Remember to stay informed, be meticulous in your preparation, and don’t hesitate to seek professional advice. With patience and persistence, homeowners have the ability to challenge and potentially overturn a low home appraisal, ensuring their property's value is accurately reflected and their financial interests are protected. It may take time and effort, but successfully disputing an appraisal can have significant benefits for your financial future and peace of mind.
This article was contributed on Jun 25, 2024
