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Buying

Appraisal Gap

Definition

The difference between a contract price and a lower appraised value, which the buyer must generally cover in cash.

Example

A $520,000 contract appraising at $498,000 created a $22,000 gap the buyer had agreed in advance to cover.

Frequently asked questions

What does Appraisal Gap mean in real estate?

The difference between a contract price and a lower appraised value, which the buyer must generally cover in cash.

How is Appraisal Gap used in practice?

A $520,000 contract appraising at $498,000 created a $22,000 gap the buyer had agreed in advance to cover.

This definition is provided for educational purposes. Legal and tax terminology can carry jurisdiction-specific meaning — confirm with a licensed professional before relying on it in a transaction.