17
Oct

Is Waiving Appraisal Contingency a Good Idea?

I
October 7, 2022

When buying a home, many contingencies must be met for sale to go through.

One of the most critical contingencies is the appraisal contingency, which protects the buyer in case the house or investment property is appraised for less than the purchase price.

However, some home buyers choose to waive this contingency to make their offer more attractive to sellers. So, is waiving appraisal contingency a good idea?

There are pros and cons to waiving the appraisal contingency. One of the biggest pros is that it can make your offer more attractive to sellers.

In a competitive housing market, waiving this contingency can give you an edge over other buyers who are not willing to do so.

What is an appraisal waiver

An appraisal waiver is a loan provision that allows the lender to forgo ordering a formal appraised value for the purchased home.

In exchange for this concession, the borrower typically agrees to pay a higher interest rate on their loan. Appraisal waivers can be beneficial to both the borrower and lender.

For borrowers, it can speed up the loan process and save money on the appraisal fee. For lenders, it can help them close loans faster and with less risk.

What is an appraisal contingency?

Appraisal contingency are real estate contracts with the condition that allows the buyer to cancel the deal if the property appraises for less than previously agreed-upon purchase price.

The appraisal contingency protects the buyer if the property doesn’t appraise for at least the purchase price. The buyer can renege without penalty if it doesn't.

The seller may be less willing to negotiate on price if there’s no appraisal contingency because they know the buyer has no protection if the home doesn’t appraise.

If you’re buying a home, ask your real estate agent about adding an appraisal contingency to your contract.

What is a home appraisal?

A home appraisal is an estimate of a property's market value. Appraisals are typically ordered when a home is sold, but they can also be used for other purposes, such as setting property taxes.

Home appraisals are conducted by licensed appraisers and consider things like the size and location of the property, recent sales of similar properties, and any upgrades or repairs that have been made.

The appraiser will also consider the current economic climate to determine the property is worth.

What is a first appraisal?

A first appraisal is an estimation of the worth of something. In real estate, a first appraisal is typically done by a professional appraiser hired by the buyer or seller in order to determine how much the property is worth. This can be important in negotiating a price for the home.

What is a second appraisal?

A second appraisal is an independent assessment of a property's value. The buyer usually orders it, which can help negotiate the purchase price with the seller.

What is a contingency?

A contingency is a type of risk often present in businesses and organizations. It's important to know what a contingency is and how to manage it.

A contingency is an uncertain event or condition that can happen in the future and affect an organization, individual, or project. A contingency can be positive or negative, but most often, it's something that could potentially cause problems.

There are many ways to manage contingencies, but the most important thing is to identify them early on and have a plan to deal with them if they occur.

1 - Inspection contingency

Inspection contingency are a standard clause in real estate purchase contracts that gives the buyer the right to have the real estate inspected by a professional inspector of their choice. If the inspection reveals any material defects with the property, the buyer can negotiate with the seller for repairs, a price reduction, or cancel the contract.

Most home inspections will cover the home's major systems, including the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling, and more. The inspector will also look for signs of pests, water damage, and other issues that could be costly to repair.

If you're buying a home with an inspection contingency in your contract, be sure to choose a qualified inspector and give yourself enough time to conduct a thorough inspection of the property. This way, you can be confident that you're getting what you expect from your purchase.

Inspection contingency removal form

An inspection contingency removal form is a legal document that is used to remove the inspection contingency from a real estate contract.

This form is typically used when the buyer and seller have agreed to move forward with the sale without an inspection being conducted.

This form will outline the terms of the sale and protect both parties involved in the transaction.

2 - Financing contingency

In real estate, a finance contingency is a common contingency that allows the buyer to back out of the purchase if they cannot secure financing. The finance contingency is in place to protect the buyer and gives them an out if they cannot guarantee a loan.

A finance contingency is often used in conjunction with a loan pre-approval. A pre-approval means that the buyer has been approved for a loan up to a certain amount, but it is not a guarantee that the loan will be funded. If the buyer cannot secure financing, the finance contingency allows them to back out of the purchase without penalty.

The finance contingency is essential protection for buyers but can also make sellers uneasy.

3 - Home sale contingency

If you're buying a home, you may come across the term "home sale contingency." A home sale contingency gives the buyer the right to back out of the contract if there's a house that doesn't sell within a certain period of time. In most cases, the buyer will have between 30 and 60 days to find a buyer for their own home.

4 - Title Contingency

Title contingency are a clause in a real estate contract that protects the buyer if the seller's title to the property is unclear.

If the title is not clear, the buyer has the option to cancel the contract and get their earnest money back.

A title contingency is essential because it gives the buyer peace of mind knowing they will not be stuck with a property they cannot sell in the future.

5 - Loan Contingency

A loan contingency clause in a real estate contract allows the buyer to back out of the deal if they cannot secure financing. This protects the buyer if they cannot get a loan or if the interest rates are too high.

The loan contingency is one of the most important aspects of a real estate contract. It protects the buyer from being stuck in a property they cannot afford. It also protects the seller from having their home sit on the market for months while the buyer tries to secure financing.

6 - Real Estate Contingencies

In real estate, a contingency is an outcome that must be met for a contract to be finalized. Contingencies are often included in purchase agreements to protect buyers and give them time to complete due diligence on the property. Typical contingencies include financing, inspections, and appraisal.

If the buyer is unable to meet the contingency, they may be able to negotiate with the seller to remove or modify it. However, if the parties cannot agree, the buyer may cancel the contract and receive their earnest money deposit back.

What Is Appraised Value

An appraisal is simply an expert's opinion of value. Appraisers are trained to develop an objective opinion of value, which is then used by others to make important decisions.

The most common use for an appraisal is in determining the value of a property for sale or tax purposes.

The appraised value of a property is determined by considering many factors, including its location, size, age, condition, and any special features or amenities that it may have.

Appraisers will also compare the property to similar properties recently sold in the area to get an idea of its market value.

What is a purchase price

A purchase price is the amount of money a buyer pays for a good or service. The seller typically determines the purchase price, although there are some cases where the buyer and seller negotiate a price.

The purchase price is the agreed-upon amount that will exchange hands for the good or service being purchased.

What is a real estate agent

Real estate agents assist homeowners and business owners with buying, selling, or renting a property. They work with buyers and sellers to negotiate prices and help with the paperwork involved in the transaction.

Most real estate agents are licensed by the state in which they practice. To get a license, an agent must complete a certain amount of education and pass an exam. Some states require continuing education for agents to renew their licenses.

Real estate agents typically earn a commission from each sale they make. The commission they receive is usually a percentage of the total sale price of the property.

What is a certified real estate appraiser

A certified real estate appraiser is a professional trained and licensed to provide opinions of value on real property.

To become a certified appraiser, one must complete specific education and experience requirements set forth by the Appraisal Qualifications Board (AQB) of The Appraisal Foundation.

Most states require that real estate appraisers be licensed or certified to perform appraisal services. Some states have different levels of licensure or certification, with varying requirements for each level.

What are the benefits of waiving Appraisal Contingency?

Benefit #1: Helps buyers & sellers move forward with confidence

Assuming that the appraisal contingency is included in the standard purchase agreement, the following are four benefits of waiving this contingency: 

  1. It may help to seal the deal. 
  2. The home-buying process may move along more quickly. 
  3. You may have a better negotiating position if you’re also selling a home. 
  4. In a sellers’ market, it may increase your chances of having your offer accepted.

Benefit #2: Saves time & money

Waiving the appraisal contingency can save time. If an appraisal issue comes in low and the buyer wants to back out of the deal, this can add weeks or even months onto the timeline.

By waiving this contingency, buyers indicate that they are willing to move forward with the purchase even if an appraisal is below the agreed-upon price.

Benefit #3: Reduces Stress

One of the main benefits of waiving your appraisal contingency is that it can help reduce stress during home-buying.

Appraisal contingencies protect buyers by giving them an out if the home they're interested in is worth less than the agreed-upon purchase price.

However, this protection comes at a cost: appraisal contingencies can add a lot of stress to the home-buying process since they introduce the possibility that the deal could fall through.

If you want to reduce stress during your home search, waiving your appraisal contingency may be a good option.

Benefit #4: Can Help Close the Deal (Help With Closing Costs)

When it comes to home buying, there are a lot of contingencies that can trip up a deal.

One common contingency is the appraisal, which protects the buyer if the home is worth less than the agreed-upon purchase price. But what if you waive this contingency?

While it may seem risky, waiving the appraisal contingency can give you an edge in a competitive market.

If you’re competing against other offers, waiving the appraisal contingency shows you’re serious about buying the home.

When is the Best Time to Waive Appraisal Contingency?

Wondering when is the best time to waive an appraisal contingency. This is a valid concern, as appraisal contingency can give you some protection against overpaying for a home. 

  1. The market conditions in your area. If home appraises in your area are selling quickly and for close to or above the asking price, likely, you won't need the appraisal contingency to negotiate a lower price.
  2. Your financial situation. If you're pre-approved for a mortgage and have strong credit, you may be more comfortable waiving the appraisal contingency.
  3. The seller's situation.

How Can you Protect Yourself if you do Waive Appraisal Contingency?

When you buy a home, there are a lot of contingencies that come along with it.

This contingency protects the buyer if the home is appraised for less than the purchase price.

If this happens, the buyer has the option to back out of the contract and get their earnest money deposit back.

However, there are some situations where a buyer may want to waive their appraisal contingency. For example, if they buy a home from a family member or friend and know that the house is worth more than the asking price, they may want to waive their appraisal contingency.

If you decide to waive your appraisal contingency clause, you can do a few things to protect yourself.

Conclusion

Waiving the appraisal contingency is a personal decision that depends on many factors.

Consider your motivation for selling, your financial situation, and the current market conditions.

You should consult a real estate agent or lawyer to get expert advice before making a final decision.

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