In determining a loan amount, the lender will lend based on which value?

When determining the loan amount for a borrower, lenders focus on minimizing risk, which often means they will provide funding based on the lower of the sales price or the appraised value. The appraised value is an independent assessment of the property's worth, conducted by a qualified appraiser. If the appraised value comes in lower than the sales price, lenders will typically prefer the lower figure to protect their investment, as they want to ensure that they are not lending more than the property is objectively worth.

In scenarios where the appraised value is lower, lending against that amount helps to avoid situations where the lender could potentially face a greater loss if the borrower defaults on the loan. Therefore, when assessing the loan amount, lenders prioritize the lower of these two figures, ensuring both the borrower and the lender are grounded on realistic property valuations. This practice reflects a cautious approach in the lending industry, showing diligence in evaluating the financial aspects of real estate transactions.