But there’s one critical piece that quietly determines whether your deal moves forward smoothly — or stalls at the last minute:
👉 The appraisal.
In today’s Ontario lending environment, using a reputable appraisal company is more important than ever. A weak, rushed, or poorly supported appraisal can delay funding, reduce loan amounts, or kill an otherwise solid mortgage application.
Here’s why the appraisal matters so much — and why lenders like Lendworth take it seriously.
The Appraisal Is the Foundation of Your Mortgage
No matter how strong your application looks on paper, lenders ultimately lend against property value.
An appraisal answers the questions that matter most:
What is the property worth today?
How marketable is it?
How conservative is the valuation?
Does it support the requested loan amount?
If the appraisal is flawed, everything built on top of it is at risk.
What Goes Wrong With Poor-Quality Appraisals
Not all appraisal reports are created equal.
Problems we see far too often:
Inappropriate or outdated comparable sales
Missing adjustments or weak explanations
Overly aggressive valuations
Desktop or drive-by reports that miss property condition
Appraisers unfamiliar with the local market
These issues can lead to:
❌ Reduced mortgage amounts
❌ Last-minute lender pushback
❌ Delayed closings
❌ Deals falling apart entirely
In tight timelines, there’s often no room to fix a bad appraisal.
Why Lenders Care About Reputable Appraisal Firms
Professional lenders rely on appraisals to manage risk — not just approve deals.
A reputable appraisal firm provides:
Defensible, well-supported values
Clear reasoning and adjustments
Market-aware analysis
Reports that stand up to underwriting review
That’s why lenders prefer appraisers affiliated with recognized professional bodies like the Appraisal Institute of Canada and firms with strong Ontario market experience.
The Hidden Cost of “Cheap” Appraisals
Trying to save a few hundred dollars on an appraisal can cost tens of thousands if:
Your loan amount is reduced
Your rate or structure changes
You miss a closing deadline
You lose a purchase or refinance opportunity
In lending, accuracy beats speed — and credibility beats cost.
Appraisals Matter Even More for Private & Equity-Based Mortgages
For private mortgages, second mortgages, and refinances, the appraisal is often the single most important document in the file.
It determines:
Loan-to-value (LTV)
Risk profile
Pricing
Approval speed
A strong appraisal can:
✔ Support higher confidence approvals
✔ Reduce lender conditions
✔ Keep closings on schedule
A weak one does the opposite.
How Lendworth Approaches Appraisals
At Lendworth, we emphasize:
Independent, reputable appraisal firms
Full, transparent valuation reports
Market-appropriate comparables
Realistic, defensible values
This protects:
Borrowers from last-minute surprises
Investors from unnecessary risk
Transactions from avoidable delays
What Borrowers Should Ask Before Ordering an Appraisal
Before you proceed, ask:
Is the appraiser experienced in my area?
Is this a full interior inspection?
Are comps recent and relevant?
Will the report stand up to lender scrutiny?
If you’re unsure, ask your lender first. The wrong appraisal can set you back weeks.
Final Word: The Appraisal Can Decide the Outcome
In today’s Ontario mortgage market, approvals are tighter, timelines are shorter, and tolerance for weak documentation is low.
Using a reputable appraisal company isn’t optional — it’s essential.
📞 Considering a mortgage or refinance? Speak with Lendworth before ordering your appraisal.
We’ll help ensure it supports your deal — not works against it.
Your Equity Deserves More™