Negotiation

The seller asks for an additional appraisal after your offer: what to do

When a seller asks for an additional appraisal after you have made an offer, it is often a sign he or she is testing the market or your commitment. You need to decide if this request is worth your time and potential cost.

October 16, 2026 · 3 min read

Why sellers ask for more appraisals

A seller asking for an additional appraisal after an offer typically indicates he or she is not fully comfortable with your proposed price. He or she might believe the property is worth more, or perhaps he or she received a conflicting informal valuation from a friend or agent.

It can be a tactic to leverage a higher price, or simply a genuine need for reassurance. Understanding the underlying motivation helps you decide your next move.

Your initial response: understand their goal

Before reacting, ask the seller why he or she is requesting another appraisal. Is he or she trying to justify a higher price? Does he or she have specific concerns about your offer's basis? Understanding the 'why' is crucial for your negotiation.

Listen carefully to his or her explanation. This will reveal if he or she is genuinely unsure of value or simply trying to push for more. Do not immediately agree or refuse; gather information first.

Who pays for the appraisal?

Appraisals cost money, typically several hundred dollars. Clarify immediately who the seller expects to pay for this. If he or she expects you to pay, this is a significant concession on your part, especially if you have already done your due diligence.

Generally, the party requesting the appraisal pays for it. If the seller wants a new appraisal, he or she should cover the cost. You can politely state that your offer is based on your own valuation and any additional appraisals would be at his or her expense.

Potential impact on your offer and timeline

An additional appraisal will inevitably delay your timeline. Appraisers need time to schedule, visit the property, and complete their reports. This delay can affect your ability to close quickly, which might be critical for a motivated seller.

Consider if you are willing to extend your offer's expiration or the inspection period to accommodate this. Also, think about the implication if the appraisal comes back higher. Will you be pressured to increase your offer? If it comes back lower, the seller might ignore it.

Holding firm, walking away, or offering a compromise

You have a few options. You can hold firm to your original offer, stating that your valuation is accurate based on market data. If the seller insists, you may need to consider walking away if the deal no longer makes sense for you with the added cost and delay.

Alternatively, you could offer a compromise, such as agreeing to split the appraisal cost, but only if you see significant motivation from the seller and a strong potential for the deal. Make sure any compromise includes clear terms about what happens if the new appraisal is different.

Questions people ask

Should I agree to pay for half of the appraisal?

Only if the deal is very strong and you believe it will solidify his or her trust and move him or her forward. It is a concession. If you do, ensure you agree on the appraiser beforehand and that the appraisal will be unbiased.

What if their appraisal comes back higher than my offer?

A higher appraisal does not obligate you to raise your offer. Your offer is based on your investment strategy and numbers. You can politely acknowledge his or her appraisal but reiterate your offer stands based on your criteria. This is not financial advice.

Can I use my own appraisal instead?

You can always share the data you used for your valuation, whether it is a Broker's Price Opinion or your own detailed comps. However, a seller asking for 'another appraisal' likely wants a new, independent one to confirm his or her own perceived value.