Home buying

Appraisal Gap Calculator

Estimate the cash shortfall when appraisal value is below purchase price.

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Plan for appraisal gap scenarios before closing.

An appraisal gap can happen when the appraised value is lower than the purchase price. Because lenders often base loan limits on appraised value, a gap can change cash needed or require renegotiation.

This calculator estimates the appraisal gap, loan amount based on appraised value and LTV, and additional cash needed compared with the original down payment plan.

Use it with the Cash-to-Close Calculator and Affordability Calculator when evaluating offers in competitive markets.

This calculator is for educational and planning purposes only. It is not financial advice, a loan approval, a tax bill, or a lender quote.

Calculator

Enter your numbers.

The estimate updates instantly in your browser as you adjust the inputs.

Appraisal Gap$0
Max Loan From Appraisal-
Additional Cash Needed-
Revised Cash Need-

Your input is processed in your browser. Dicno Labs does not upload or store the data you enter in this tool.

Formula

How the calculation works

Appraisal gap equals purchase price minus appraised value when positive. Maximum loan is appraised value multiplied by target LTV. Additional cash is purchase price minus maximum loan minus original down payment, not below zero.

Example calculation

If a home sells for $420,000 but appraises at $400,000 with a 90% LTV target, the maximum loan is $360,000. Compared with a $40,000 original down payment, estimated additional cash needed is $20,000.

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Appraisal Gap Calculator FAQ

What is an appraisal gap?

Appraisal Gap Calculator is an educational planning tool. Use the result as a starting point, then compare it with written lender, servicer, tax, or closing documents when available.

Why does appraisal value affect the loan?

Appraisal Gap Calculator is an educational planning tool. Use the result as a starting point, then compare it with written lender, servicer, tax, or closing documents when available.

Does every low appraisal create a gap?

Appraisal Gap Calculator is an educational planning tool. Use the result as a starting point, then compare it with written lender, servicer, tax, or closing documents when available.

Can buyers renegotiate after a low appraisal?

Appraisal Gap Calculator is an educational planning tool. Use the result as a starting point, then compare it with written lender, servicer, tax, or closing documents when available.

What is an appraisal gap clause?

Appraisal Gap Calculator is an educational planning tool. Use the result as a starting point, then compare it with written lender, servicer, tax, or closing documents when available.

Can a larger down payment solve a gap?

Appraisal Gap Calculator is an educational planning tool. Use the result as a starting point, then compare it with written lender, servicer, tax, or closing documents when available.

Does this include closing costs?

Appraisal Gap Calculator is an educational planning tool. Use the result as a starting point, then compare it with written lender, servicer, tax, or closing documents when available.

Can seller credits cover an appraisal gap?

Appraisal Gap Calculator is an educational planning tool. Use the result as a starting point, then compare it with written lender, servicer, tax, or closing documents when available.

What if the appraisal is higher than purchase price?

Appraisal Gap Calculator is an educational planning tool. Use the result as a starting point, then compare it with written lender, servicer, tax, or closing documents when available.

Is this a lender approval estimate?

Appraisal Gap Calculator is an educational planning tool. Use the result as a starting point, then compare it with written lender, servicer, tax, or closing documents when available.

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