Answers by Tina Clark

You’re not forced to drop your price—but the deal can’t move forward at $550K unless the gap is handled. What’s happening • Appraisal = $530K • Contract = $550K • There’s a $20K gap, and the lender won’t cover it Your options • Negotiate (most common) → meet somewhere in the middle • Lower to $530K → keep deal together • Walk away → put it back on market Earnest money You likely can’t keep it if the buyer has a financing/appraisal contingency (very common in NC). They can usually walk and get it back. Second appraisal Possible, but not likely to fix a $20K difference unless the first one was clearly wrong. Straight advice Don’t get stuck on the $550K number—focus on: • Will another buyer appraise higher? • Do you want to risk starting over? Most deals like this get worked out with a price adjustment or split. Let me know if I can help, Tina Clark Realtor at Century 21 Town & Country Realty in Lincolnton, NC.