What Is an Appraisal Reconsideration in NH Real Estate?

🏡 What Is an Appraisal Reconsideration in NH Real Estate?

A low appraisal can derail an entire real estate transaction — but in New Hampshire, buyers, agents, and lenders have the option to request an appraisal reconsideration.

This process allows you to challenge the appraisal by submitting evidence that the value should be higher.

Here’s how appraisal reconsiderations work in NH.

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What Is an Appraisal Reconsideration?

An appraisal reconsideration is a formal request asking the appraiser (through the lender) to review their report and adjust the value based on new or corrected information.

You cannot contact the appraiser directly — the lender must submit the request.

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Reasons to Request a Reconsideration

A reconsideration is typically requested when the appraisal:

✔ Missed key comparable sales

✔ Used outdated or inaccurate comps

✔ Included incorrect square footage or bedroom/bath count

✔ Overlooked major upgrades or renovations

✔ Contained factual errors

✔ Compared the home to properties in an inferior location

If errors affect the valuation, a reconsideration may increase the final appraised value.

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What Evidence Should Be Submitted?

A strong reconsideration request may include:

📌 Recent, relevant comparable sales

— In the same town or school district

— Similar size, condition, style, and land

📌 Proof of upgrades or renovations

— Invoices, permits, photos, receipts

📌 Corrected property data

— Accurate square footage

— Bedroom/bath count

— Lot size

— Acreage

📌 Market data your agent can provide

— Inventory levels

— Median price trends

— Days on market

— Seasonal price shifts in NH towns

The stronger the evidence, the better the chances of success.

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How the Reconsideration Process Works

1️⃣ Buyer or agent identifies appraisal errors or missing information

2️⃣ Lender provides a submission form to gather evidence

3️⃣ Lender submits the reconsideration request to the appraisal panel

4️⃣ Original appraiser must review and respond

5️⃣ Appraiser may adjust the value, deny the request, or provide rebuttal

The process usually takes 3–7 days, sometimes longer if additional comparables need verification.

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Can a Reconsideration Raise the Appraised Value?

Yes — but only if the evidence is strong.

Appraisers will not change a value based on emotion, opinion, or market pressure.

They will adjust the value if:

✔ Better comps support a higher price

✔ A significant error is confirmed

✔ A missed upgrade or feature meaningfully increases value

In NH towns with low inventory (Plymouth, Campton, Thornton, Rumney, etc.), strong comps can make a major difference.

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What Happens if the Appraisal Doesn’t Change?

If the reconsideration fails, buyers and sellers may:

✔ Renegotiate the sale price

✔ Increase the buyer’s down payment

✔ Split the difference

✔ Apply seller concessions (if loan allows)

✔ Cancel the deal (depending on the contract’s appraisal contingency)

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Bottom Line

An appraisal reconsideration gives NH buyers a fair chance to challenge a low appraisal and correct factual errors. With strong data and the right comps, the value can sometimes be adjusted — keeping the deal alive and avoiding unnecessary renegotiation.

Jim Johnson — Real Estate Agent

58 NH Route 25A

Wentworth, NH 03282

P: (857) 249-7392

W: www.JimJohnsonRealEstateAgent.com

Licensed New Hampshire REALTOR® with Three Hills Real Estate Services

Broker Email: info@ThreeHillsRES.com

Broker Website: www.ThreeHillsRES.com