How does property appraisal influence financing?

Property appraisal plays a critical role in the financing process because it provides an unbiased estimate of a property's market value. This valuation is crucial for lenders when assessing the risk associated with a loan. The appraisal helps determine the loan-to-value ratio (LTV), which is a key factor in approving a loan. The LTV is calculated by dividing the loan amount by the appraised value of the property. A lower LTV ratio indicates less risk for the lender, which can lead to more favorable loan terms for the borrower.

Additionally, lenders often base their approval decisions on the appraised value rather than the purchase price. If the appraisal comes in lower than expected, the lender may only finance up to the appraised value, which could affect the amount of money a borrower can receive and potentially require the borrower to provide a larger down payment to make up the difference. Thus, the property appraisal significantly influences both lending approval and the terms of financing available to the borrower, directly impacting their ability to secure a loan.