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If you think you received an unfair appraisal, we can help. Learn how to file different types of reports and continue visiting this page as we add additional resources to help you understand your rights and how to address bias in appraisals.
![[Why Do Appraisals Matter?
An appraisal is a point-in-time opinion of value. In order to issue a home loan, the lender must conduct an appraisal to determine the value of the home. Simply put, the bank needs to know how much month the home is worth.]](https://pave.hud.gov/sites/pave.hud.gov/files/images/PAVE_appraisals_infographic1.png "[Why Do Appraisals Matter?
An appraisal is a point-in-time opinion of value. In order to issue a home loan, the lender must conduct an appraisal to determine the value of the home. Simply put, the bank needs to know how much month the home is worth.]")
“An appraiser valued my home for much lower than expected, what should I do?”
“I'm Black and I had a White friend stand in for a second property appraisal, and my home value increased, what are my options?”
Appeal/ Reconsideration of Value (ROV)
“An appraiser valued my home for much lower than expected, what should I do?”
![[Reconsideration of Value]](https://pave.hud.gov/sites/pave.hud.gov/files/images/ROV_infographic.jpg "[Reconsideration of Value]")
During the homebuying or refinancing process, an appraiser will submit an appraisal report to the lender for review. An appraisal is an important part of the homebuying process because it establishes the value of the property for a home loan. Simply stated, fair and accurate appraisals directly impact national homeownership rates, which impact the racial wealth gap.
If the appraiser values your home for lower than expected, known as an “undervaluation”, you can appeal the appraiser’s decision by asking the lender to request a Reconsideration of Value or ROV.
An ROV challenges the initial appraisal by identifying inaccuracies, such as miscalculation of square footage or number of rooms. An ROV might also be appropriate if the appraiser uses unsuitable comparable properties and makes discriminatory inferences. Your lender can help you review the appraisal report and identify significant inaccuracies to include in the ROV.
When appropriate, the appraiser can republish the amended report and send it back to the lender or counduct another appraisal.
Ensuring that an appraisal reflects the fair market value of the property can help close the racial homeownsership and wealth gap.
*Please note, the ROV process may vary based on whether the borrower is a purchaser, refincancer, or seeking a reverse mortgage.
Visit www.hud.gov/fairhousing or call the National Housing Discrimination Hotline at (800) 669-9777 or (800) 877-8339 (Fed.Relay)
Reconsideration of Value
A Request by consmers for an appraiser to reassess the analysis and conclusion of their initial appraisal when provided with additional information that may affect the value determination.
Undervaluation
An appraisal in which the opinion of value is lower than a reasonable estimate of the fair market value of the home.
The Cost of Undervaluation
Home owned by people of color are valued $48,000 less on average than white homeowners in simlar homes.
The ROV Process
There is no standard ROV process. Work with your lender to identify and document discrepancies in the initial appraisal report and submit an appeal, or ROV, to the lender.
Report Housing Discrimination
“I'm Black and I had a White friend stand in for a second property appraisal, and my home value increased, what are my options?”
Other Ways to Get Help Reporting Housing Discrimination
- Speak with an FHEO intake specialist by calling (800) 669-9777 or TTY: (800) 877-8339.
- Call your regional FHEO office at the phone numbers on this list.
It is unlawful to discriminate in housing based on these factors:
- Race
- Color
- National origin
- Religion
- Sex (sexual orientation and gender identity)
- Familial status (families with children under the age of 18, or who are expecting a child)
- Disability (if you or someone close to you has a disability)
Discrimination in housing can occur during any point in the home buying, selling, and refinancing process including the appraisal process.
If you believe you have experienced discrimination in housing, HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) can help document your report.
Report housing discrimination with FHEO online in English or Spanish. After your report is received, FHEO will investigate the housing discrimination Report.
Report Housing Discrimination with the Appraisal Subcommittee
You can also report inappropriate conduct of an appraiser through Appraisal Subcommittee (ASC), ASC’s report process.