What To Do If You Think Your Home Appraisal Is Too Low
Buying or refinancing a home can be stressful enough, but sometimes the appraisal—the independent opinion of value ordered by your lender—comes in lower than expected. A low appraisal can impact your ability to qualify for a loan or the terms you receive.
The good news? You don’t always have to accept the first number. There’s a process called a Reconsideration of Value (ROV) that allows you (through your lender) to challenge the appraisal and request that it be reviewed.
What Is a Reconsideration of Value (ROV)?
An ROV is essentially a formal request for the appraiser to re-evaluate their report if there are factual errors, missing information, or stronger comparable sales that weren’t considered. It’s not about demanding a certain number or arguing based on emotion—it’s about presenting clear, documented evidence that supports a higher value.
When Should You Consider an ROV?
Here are just a few examples of some reasons you may want to consider an ROV;
- The appraiser missed recent, nearby sales that are more similar to your property.
- The report contains factual mistakes (wrong square footage, incorrect bedroom or bathroom count, missing finished basement, etc.).
- The appraiser rated your home’s condition or quality too low, even though you’ve recently renovated.
- Important features were overlooked, like a permitted accessory dwelling unit (ADU), owned solar panels, or a premium lot location.
- The report used outdated or distressed sales that don’t reflect true market conditions.
The Step-by-Step ROV Process
Step 1: Review the Appraisal
Double-check square footage, room count, and lot size.
Look for errors in condition, location, or features.
Review the comparable sales used.
Step 2: Gather Your Evidence
Recent, nearby comparable sales (3–6 strong examples).
Invoices + permits for renovations (kitchen, roof, HVAC, etc.).
Floor plan, public records, or builder docs proving the correct square footage.
Photos of upgrades and unique features.
Step 3: Organize Your Packet
Cover letter: short + professional (no target value).
Error list: factual corrections with proof.
Comp table: why your comps are better.
Attachments: MLS sheets, invoices, photos, maps.
Step 4: Submit Through Your Lender
You cannot contact the appraiser directly.
Ask your loan officer about the ROV process & deadline.
Step 5: Be Patient With Outcomes
Value may stay the same.
Appraiser may adjust upward.
Lender may order a review or a second appraisal.
Key Reminders
- Stick to facts & evidence — not emotions.
- Focus on superior comps and clear errors.
- Each loan type has its own set of rules (Conventional, FHA, and VA).
If you feel your appraisal doesn’t reflect your home’s true worth, don’t panic. A Reconsideration of Value gives you a structured way to correct errors and make your case with data. With the right approach—and the right evidence—you may be able to get a fairer value and keep your transaction moving forward. Ultimately, the appraiser may or may not change the value, but an ROV is your best opportunity to make sure your property is evaluated fairly.
Derrick D. Berry
Loan Originator | NMLS #302981
Licensed in Florida, Georgia & U.S. Virgin Islands
Buccaneer Mortgage / TheGoodPirates Home Loans
www.TheGoodPirates.com
Office: 800-579-9677 ext. 101
Fax: 877-790-0135
Direct: 561-385-0678
Derrick@TheGoodPirates.com
RamBer Corp | NMLS #154393
