Appraisal Review And Desk Review
After an appraisal comes in, a lender can review it for quality and value, and you can ask for a second look. Here is how desk reviews, field reviews, and reconsiderations work.
How an appraisal gets reviewed
The checks behind the value
- A desk review of the appraisal report by an expert
- A field review with a second appraiser’s inspection
- Automated checks that flag possible overvaluation
- A reconsideration of value you can request
- New comparable sales to support a different value
- Appraiser independence rules that govern the process
Appraisals are reviewed
A desk review checks the report
A field review adds a visit
You can request an ROV
New comps support your case
We manage the process
What An Appraisal Review Is
A quality check on the appraised value
An appraisal review is a check on the appraisal that came back on your home. Before relying on the value, a lender can have an expert review the report, and automated tools can flag a value that looks too high or a quality issue that needs a second look.
There are two main kinds. A desk review is a second expert examining the report and its comparable sales without visiting the home. A field review goes further, sending another appraiser to inspect the property and confirm the value in person.
If you believe the value came in low, you can ask for a reconsideration of value. You submit new comparable sales or corrected facts, and the lender reviews them under appraiser independence rules. A reconsideration must be requested before the loan closes.
Why the value gets a second look
A review protects everyone by making sure the value is right. Here is how the checks and a reconsideration work.
Reviews Protect The Value
A lender relies on the appraisal to know what the home is worth. Reviewing the report helps confirm the value is well supported before the loan moves forward, which protects you as much as the lender.
A Desk Review Checks The Report
In a desk review, a second expert examines the appraisal and its comparable sales without visiting the home. It is a fast way to confirm the appraiser’s work and catch any errors in the report.
A Field Review Goes Further
When more certainty is needed, a field review sends another appraiser to inspect the property in person. It is used when a report raises questions that a desk review cannot fully answer.
You Can Request An ROV
If you think the value is low, you can ask for a reconsideration of value. The request must be based on real evidence, such as recent comparable sales the appraiser did not use.
Evidence Drives The Outcome
A reconsideration is not an appeal by opinion. It works when you provide new comparable sales or correct a factual error, and it explains why that data supports a different value.
Timing And Independence Matter
A reconsideration must be requested before the loan closes, and the whole process follows appraiser independence rules. Those rules keep the valuation objective and free from pressure.
Hear From Homeowners Like You
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about appraisal reviews.
It is a check on the appraisal for your home. A lender can have an expert review the report, and automated tools can flag a value or quality issue that needs a second look.
A desk review examines the report without visiting the home. A field review sends a second appraiser to inspect the property in person.
Yes. You can request a reconsideration of value, supported by new comparable sales or corrected facts, before the loan closes.
It is a formal request asking the lender to reconsider the appraised value based on evidence the appraiser did not use, such as recent comparable sales.
Before the loan closes. After closing, a reconsideration of value can no longer be submitted.
No. A reconsideration works on evidence, not opinion. You need to show comparable sales or a factual correction that supports a different value.
They keep the valuation objective by preventing pressure on the appraiser. Every review and reconsideration follows these rules.
Find out what you qualify for
Think your appraisal came in low? We can help you put together a reconsideration with real supporting evidence.
Get Pre-Qualified- Fannie Mae, Selling Guide B4-1.3-01, review of the appraisal report
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, do I have the right to receive a copy of my home appraisal?
Appraisal, review, and reconsideration processes are subject to program eligibility, appraiser independence rules, and applicable law. Whether a review or reconsideration changes a value depends on the evidence and the property. This page is informational and is not a commitment to lend. Not all applicants will qualify.