We are experiencing somewhat of a seller’s market in Sacramento, and a changing climate, as value’s are starting to rise across the country. With this added demand, comes multiple offers which can drive up the purchase price of a home – sometimes artificially. We know that too many buyers are chasing too few sellers, and reaching a sales agreement can be just the start of the negotiation process. One particular negotiation point which can present difficulties for both buyers and sellers is when a home’s appraised value falls short of its contracted sales price.

Sometimes, this happens because the home’s price was inflated. Other times, it’s the result of a faulty appraisal. Or, everyone knows the home won’t appraise, but the market is heating up and the seller feels they deserve what “the market will bear”, and don’t care what the appraisal says. Continue reading →