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Appraisal Repair Issues in Metro Atlanta
This page is part of our Educated Consumer series, created to help buyers, sellers, and agents make informed real estate decisions.
What Are Appraisal Repair Issues?
Appraisal repair issues are items flagged by the appraiser that must be addressed before a lender will approve financing.
These aren’t cosmetic concerns.They typically involve conditions that affect safety, habitability, or long-term property value, such as:
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Roof damage or active leaks
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Electrical hazards
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Plumbing problems
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Structural or foundation concerns
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Rot or water intrusion
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Missing handrails or unsafe steps
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HVAC issues
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Peeling paint on older homes
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Evidence of moisture or mold
Once identified, these repairs usually must be completed — and verified — before closing can move forward.
This is often where buyers, sellers, and Realtors start feeling pressure.
Timelines tighten. Negotiations restart. And suddenly everyone is scrambling for solutions.
Some situations are straightforward. Others uncover deeper problems that overlap with foundation repair, water damage restoration, or even broader interior remodeling needs.
The key is understanding exactly what’s being required — and making sure repairs are handled properly the first time.
Who Pays for Appraisal Repairs?
This is one of the first questions everyone asks — and the honest answer is: it depends.
Payment responsibility is usually determined by your purchase contract and how motivated each party is to keep the deal moving.
In Metro Atlanta, we commonly see:
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Sellers covering required repairs to preserve the sale
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Buyers negotiating repair credits
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Costs split between both sides
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Repairs rolled into renovation financing when available
There’s no single “right” approach. What matters most is choosing the option that keeps the transaction intact while making sure repairs are done properly.
In some cases — especially when multiple issues are involved — buyers explore renovation loans to address appraisal items along with planned upgrades at the same time.
This is also where appraisal repairs begin overlapping with services like insurance claim repairs or interior remodeling, — particularly when hidden damage is discovered during the process.
The important thing is not rushing into quick fixes just to satisfy the appraisal. Poor-quality repairs often lead to failed re-inspections, delayed closings, and bigger problems later.
Taking a clear, professional approach from the start usually saves everyone time, money, and stress.
Why Rushed Repairs Can Delay Your Closing
When appraisal repairs surface, timelines suddenly get tight.
Closings are scheduled. Movers are booked. Everyone feels pressure to “just get it done.”
That’s when many people make a costly mistake: hiring the fastest or cheapest contractor they can find. Unfortunately, rushed repairs often lead to:
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Incomplete work
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Failed re-inspections
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Missing documentation
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Repairs that don’t meet lender requirements
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Last-minute surprises that delay closing
Appraisal-related repairs aren’t just about fixing something — they usually require verification. That can mean photos, invoices, or a follow-up visit from the appraiser.
If work isn’t done correctly the first time, lenders may refuse to clear the condition, forcing everyone back to square one.
We see this most often when appraisal issues overlap with foundation repair, water damage restoration, or electrical and structural concerns — areas where shortcuts simply don’t work.
The smarter approach is slowing down just enough to:
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Clearly understand what the lender is requiring
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Get a proper scope of work
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Use licensed and insured professionals
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Document everything
It may feel counterintuitive, but doing it right from the start usually gets you to closing faster.
Structural Issues Discovered During Appraisals
Sometimes appraisal repairs go beyond surface-level problems.
It’s very common for appraisals — especially on older homes — to uncover deeper structural concerns such as:
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Settlement cracks
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Sagging floors
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Moisture-damaged framing
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Prior repairs that weren’t done correctly
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Signs of ongoing water intrusion
When this happens, it’s important to slow things down and understand exactly what you’re dealing with.
Structural issues often overlap with foundation repair water damage restoration, and basement remodeling projects — and trying to “patch” these problems just to satisfy an appraisal condition usually creates bigger headaches later.
In some cases, further evaluation by a qualified foundation or structural specialist makes sense before moving forward.
This protects everyone involved:
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Buyers avoid inheriting hidden problems
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Sellers reduce post-sale liability
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Realtors prevent deals from falling apart at the last minute
Addressing structural concerns properly may take a little more time up front, but it almost always leads to smoother closings and fewer surprises down the road.
Frequently Asked Questions About Appraisal Repair Issues
Who pays for appraisal repairs?
.There’s no universal rule. Payment responsibility depends on your purchase contract and negotiations between buyer and seller.
In Metro Atlanta, we commonly see sellers covering repairs, buyers receiving credits, costs being split, or repairs rolled into renovation loans when available.
The goal is keeping the transaction moving while making sure repairs are completed properly.
Can buyers complete appraisal repairs before closing?
Sometimes — but only with lender approval. Because buyers don’t legally own the property yet, repairs usually must be coordinated carefully and documented thoroughly.
This is why having experienced professionals involved matters, especially when repairs overlap with interior remodeling plans.
What happens if appraisal repairs aren’t completed?
If required repairs aren’t addressed, lenders typically will not approve the loan. This can lead to delayed closings or cancelled transactions.
That’s why it’s important to understand lender requirements early and avoid rushed, low-quality work.
How long do appraisal repairs usually take?
Simple items may take just a few days. More complex repairs — especially those involving foundation repair or water damage restoration — can take longer depending on scope, permitting, and re-inspection scheduling.
Planning ahead and using qualified contractors usually speeds things up.
Do appraisal repairs affect loan approval?
Yes. Appraisal repairs are part of the lender’s risk assessment. Until required items are completed and verified, financing usually cannot move forward.
Proper documentation and professional repairs help prevent unnecessary delays.
If you’re dealing with appraisal repair issues and would like help understanding your options, we’re happy to talk it through.
We specialize in larger repair scopes involving multiple trades, structural concerns, or lender-required work — not small handyman projects. If your situation fits that scope, feel free to contact us and we’ll be glad to talk it through.