Florida Home Appraisals: What Sellers Need to Know
Florida Home Appraisals: What Sellers Need to Know
You’ve accepted an offer—great! But before closing, most sales involving financing require one key step: the appraisal.
As a seller, understanding how appraisals work in Florida real estate can help you avoid delays, prepare effectively, and keep your sale on track.
What Is a Home Appraisal?
An appraisal is a third-party, professional opinion of your home’s fair market value. Lenders require it to ensure they’re not loaning more than the property is worth.
If the appraisal comes in at or above the purchase price, the loan moves forward. If it comes in below, it can jeopardize the deal.
What Does the Appraiser Look At?
Appraisers evaluate:
- Recent comparable sales (past 90–180 days)
- Square footage and lot size
- Location and neighborhood trends
- Property condition and upgrades
- Layout, functionality, and curb appeal
- Permits for improvements
They’re not looking at décor—they’re assessing value, not taste.
Common Appraisal Pitfalls
In Florida, common issues that can lower appraised value include:
- Outdated major systems (HVAC, roof, plumbing)
- Poor curb appeal
- Unpermitted additions
- Lack of recent comps nearby
- Overpricing the home above market norms
How to Prepare for the Appraisal
You can’t control the market, but you can control your presentation:
✅ Clean and declutter
✅ Make minor repairs
✅ Create a list of upgrades with dates
✅ Provide access to all rooms and outbuildings
✅ Share your agent’s comps with the appraiser (via buyer’s agent or lender)
💡 Tip: Tidy up the yard and clear paths to major systems like the water heater or electrical panel.
What If the Appraisal Comes In Low?
If the appraised value is less than the offer price, you have a few options:
- Lower your price to meet the appraised value
- Ask the buyer to pay the difference out of pocket
- Meet in the middle with a split
- Dispute the appraisal with new comps (rare, but possible)
- Cancel the deal if no resolution is found
Michael Renick will guide you through whichever path works best for your goals.
Appraisals in Cash Sales
If the buyer is paying cash, no appraisal is required unless they request one. This often shortens the closing process and removes one of the biggest uncertainties.
Work With a Local Pricing Pro
A smart pricing strategy is your best protection against appraisal issues. Michael Renick and Team Renick – Mangrove Realty Associates Inc. use hyper-local market data and seller net sheets to price your home with accuracy and confidence.
Concerned about your appraisal? Call Michael Renick today at 941.400.8735 for a custom pricing strategy and expert guidance through every phase of your Florida home sale.
What Sellers Need to Know about Florida Real Estate Commissions
📣 Let’s Talk Strategy
Want a clear breakdown of your numbers and a smarter way to sell? Let’s connect.
- 📞 Call Mike: 941.400.8735
- 📍 Explore our blog series: The Florida Life
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