Appraisal delays remain one of the most frustrating—and costly—problems in today’s real estate market. Deals that look perfect on paper can suddenly stall for days or weeks simply because an appraiser wasn’t assigned on time or couldn’t access the property. Understanding why these delays happen gives investors and borrowers a major advantage.
The first and most common cause is appraiser availability. Many markets, especially rural areas, don’t have enough certified real estate appraisers. When an AMC receives the order late or fails to assign efficiently, your timeline immediately begins to slip. It’s not personal; it’s a capacity problem.
Second, property complexity can drastically extend the timeline. Multifamily assets, mixed-use buildings, and heavy-rehab properties require more research, more comps, and more supplemental inspections. This adds days even when everything else is organized.
The third cause is often overlooked: borrower-side delays. Missed access appointments, uncooperative tenants, cluttered interiors, missing permits, or locked rooms create bottlenecks that push the appraiser’s calendar backward.
Fortunately, investors can eliminate most appraisal delays with a few simple interventions. Order the appraisal the moment disclosures are signed; waiting for underwriting only increases risk. Prepare the property as though it were being shown to a buyer—clean, accessible, and well lit. Provide a complete package that includes renovation details, before/after photos, leases, and income documentation. Finally, ask your lender which AMC performs fastest in that geography; experienced lenders track performance by ZIP code.
Appraisal delays aren’t inevitable—they’re manageable. With the right preparation and proactive communication, you can control the timeline, protect your contract, and consistently close on schedule.
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