What Is an Appraisal and Why Should You Care?
October 30, 2026
Quick Summary
After your offer is accepted, your lender usually orders an appraisal. A licensed appraiser checks what the home is worth on the market. That helps protect you from overpaying and confirms the home supports the loan. If it comes in low, you may be able to renegotiate, bring more cash, or walk away with an appraisal contingency.
Related reading: What is earnest money?.
Video Transcript
Your offer just got accepted. Congratulations! Now you're hearing about something called an appraisal. What is it, and why should you care?
After your offer is accepted, your lender usually orders an appraisal. A licensed appraiser visits the property to figure out what it's worth on the market, not just what you agreed to pay.
Why does it matter? It helps protect you from overpaying, and it confirms to the lender that the home supports what you're borrowing. Most loans require one.
If the appraisal comes in lower than your offer, you often have three options: renegotiate the price with the seller, bring extra cash to cover the difference, or, if you have an appraisal contingency, walk away.
The good news is many appraisals come in at or close to the contract price. So don't stress, just know the process. Questions? Reach out anytime.
Next Steps
Take a look at our conventional loans, reach out to our team, or connect with me directly. We help buyers all across California.
Alisha Silva, Mortgage Loan Originator, NMLS #1683313. Lend Mortgage Solutions (50-50 Mortgage Inc.), NMLS #2289265. Equal Housing Opportunity. This video is for general education only and is not a commitment to lend.
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