I doubt the bank would accept an appraisal paid for by the seller. The banks use only "bank approved appraisers. You can ask the bank for a second appraisal from another one of their bank approved appraisers paid for by the seller. Maybe the bank would go for it. Banks are getting very tight with prices now, considering they have been going down, not up. The sellers need to realize that any appraisal done two year ago is worthless. Those values are gone. You really don't want to over pay for a home, not in this market. I always tell my clients that if this home doesn't work out, there is a better one out there waiting for you. Best of luck. - Tue Mar 17 2009, 18:43