Appraisal Came In Lower Than Expected—Now What?
Yeah, it’s kind of a joke how much attention the “pretty” stuff gets. We just finished our build, and I swear I spent more time researching insulation than picking out cabinets, but guess which one the appraiser gushed over? Not the R-value, that’s for sure. I get wanting the place to look good, but when you’re sweating (or freezing) in a house with cheap windows, those fancy faucets don’t mean much. Maybe someday energy efficiency will be trendy… right after shag carpet makes a comeback.
I swear I spent more time researching insulation than picking out cabinets, but guess which one the appraiser gushed over? Not the R-value, that’s for sure.
Totally get this. It’s wild how much weight gets put on the “wow” factor stuff, even though it’s the behind-the-walls choices that actually make a difference in how a house feels and functions. I’ve had friends go through the same thing—spent extra on triple-pane windows and high-efficiency HVAC, but the appraiser barely mentioned it. Meanwhile, the quartz countertops got a whole paragraph.
It’s frustrating because energy efficiency isn’t just about saving on bills. It’s comfort, air quality, even noise reduction. But yeah, unless you’re in a market where green features are really valued (which is rare), most appraisers just don’t factor it in. Maybe things will shift as energy costs keep rising... or maybe we’ll all be stuck explaining why our utility bills are so low while everyone else admires the backsplash.
Title: Appraisal Came In Lower Than Expected—Now What?
This hits a nerve for me. I remember one project where we invested heavily in advanced insulation and a geothermal system, thinking it’d set the place apart. When the appraisal came back, there was barely a line about any of it—meanwhile, the “designer” lighting package got more ink than the mechanicals. It’s honestly baffling.
I get that appraisers are working with comps and what sells, but it’s shortsighted. Energy efficiency isn’t just a line item—it changes how people live in the house. Less drafty rooms, quieter interiors, even better resale down the road (at least in theory). But until buyers start demanding those features—or lenders put real value on them—I guess we’re stuck with granite getting all the glory.
Funny thing is, I’ve had buyers walk through and not even notice the insulation or HVAC upgrades until their first winter. Then suddenly they’re raving about how comfortable the place is. Maybe that’s just how it goes... the best stuff is invisible until you really need it.
It’s wild how much weight appraisers give to surface-level finishes over the stuff that actually impacts comfort and long-term costs. I’ve had similar frustrations—spent a fortune on triple-pane windows, barely got a mention. Maybe one day buyers will care more about what’s behind the walls... until then, I guess we just have to keep educating folks during showings.
It’s maddening, isn’t it? You spend real money on things that actually matter—like energy efficiency and better indoor air quality—and the appraiser focuses on granite counters. I get that curb appeal sells, but it’s short-sighted. Still, you’re right: the only way to shift this is by talking up the invisible stuff during showings. I’ve had buyers’ eyes glaze over when I mention insulation values, but every now and then you find someone who gets it. Just wish the industry would catch up...
