The appraisal is late and my deadline is coming. What do I do?

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Illustrative image of agent making a call while an inspector measures a porch — Illustrative image. Not a photo of the people discussed.

A buyer's question about a late appraisal and an approaching contingency deadline prompted this guide.

The first thing I would do is bring the agent and mortgage team into the same conversation.

A delayed appraisal does not automatically extend the deadline in your purchase contract.

Find out where the appraisal actually stands

Has it been ordered, inspected, delivered or accepted by underwriting?

Those are different steps. A delivered report can still leave a value or repair question that affects the loan.

Ask the mortgage team what remains and how it could change the cash needed, loan amount or closing plan.

Bring the contract question to your agent

Your agent can help identify the deadline and discuss the options under the signed agreement. Get legal advice when needed about your rights or proposed changes.

An estimated appraisal delivery date does not change the contract.

If more time is needed, ask about a written extension before the deadline. Do not treat a request as accepted until the appropriate parties have agreed as required.

Put the two timelines together

Confirm the exact contract deadline.
Get the appraisal's current status.
Identify the unanswered loan questions.
Discuss the available contract options with your agent.
Confirm any agreed extension in writing.

“The loan is moving along” is not enough information for a deadline decision. You need to know what is still unknown and what your agreement requires.

This guide explains how I would organize that conversation. It does not report a resolved contract issue or a closing outcome for that buyer.

This guide grew from a professional discussion or question. It does not describe a completed client loan. Any calculations are illustrative; loan programs and individual requirements vary.

Sources and further reading