Can You Challenge a Home Appraisal?
By JC Pacific Corp Published 2026-09-01 Last professionally reviewed: September 2026
A borrower may ask the lender about a reconsideration of value when an appraisal appears to contain factual errors, unsupported conclusions or missing relevant market information.
What Is a Reconsideration of Value?
A reconsideration of value, or ROV, is a lender-managed process for requesting review of the appraisal based on specific information. The Federal Housing Finance Agency and federal banking agencies have established guidance and policies concerning ROV processes (see the FHFA announcement on Enterprise Reconsideration of Value policies ).
What Information May Be Useful?
Useful information may include:
- Factual property corrections
- Documented permitted improvements
- More relevant comparable sales
- Incorrect location information
- Incorrect room count
- Incorrect living area
- Evidence supporting condition or quality
- Market information available as of the appraisal's effective date
What Is Not Helpful?
The following generally does not help:
- Insults toward the appraiser
- Pressure to reach the contract price
- Unsupported owner opinions
- Comparables selected only because they sold higher
- Information unavailable after the relevant date unless permitted
- Discriminatory neighborhood arguments
Frequently Asked Questions
Must the appraiser change the value?
No.
Can the buyer contact the appraiser directly?
Follow the lender's ROV process. Direct pressure may violate appraisal-independence requirements.
How long does reconsideration take?
Timing varies. Ask the lender and monitor contract deadlines.
A strong ROV identifies specific errors or better market evidence without demanding a predetermined result.
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A note on legal advice: These guides provide general, educational information about California real estate practice. They are not legal advice and do not create an attorney-client relationship. Mortgage information is general education, not individualized lending, tax or legal guidance. For advice about your specific offer, contract, closing or financing, consult a qualified California real estate attorney and a qualified mortgage professional.