What Is an Appraisal and How Does It Affect My Sale in Citrus County?

If you plan to sell your home, you may wonder what is an appraisal and how does it affect my sale. An appraisal is a professional evaluation of your home’s market value, and it plays a major role in how smoothly your transaction moves toward closing. When you understand how the appraisal works, you can navigate this stage with confidence.

If you want more tools as you prepare to sell, visit my
<a href=”https://cindyburkhardt.com/seller-resources/”>Seller Resources page</a> for guides and helpful information.

An appraisal confirms the home’s value and protects buyers during the loan process.

How the appraisal affects your sale

To understand what is an appraisal and how does it affect my sale, it helps to know what the appraiser looks for. The appraiser reviews your home’s condition, location, recent comparable sales, and current market trends. This information helps the buyer’s lender confirm that the property supports the loan amount. Because the lender relies on the appraisal to protect both the buyer and the bank, an accurate value keeps your sale on track.

Many sellers also review statewide guidance from
<a href=”https://www.floridarealtors.org/”>Florida Realtors</a>
to see how Florida appraisers evaluate value.

What happens when the appraisal impacts your sale

When the appraised value meets or exceeds the contract price, the sale usually moves forward with no delays. When the value comes in lower, you may need to negotiate. Some buyers offer additional funds. Others request new terms or ask for a price adjustment. A low appraisal does not mean the sale is lost. With the right strategy, you can still reach a successful closing.

How your Realtor supports you during the appraisal

Your Realtor helps you prepare long before the appraiser arrives. They highlight your home’s strongest features, share relevant comparable sales, and ensure the appraiser has accurate local information. This support helps reinforce the value of your home so you have the best chance of a positive result. Understanding what is an appraisal and how does it affect my sale gives you clarity during this important stage.

An appraisal plays a major role in your sale, and when you know how it works, you can move toward closing with confidence.