What Is Form 22AWO — Appraisal Work Order Addendum in Washington Real Estate?
Form 22AWO is the Appraisal Work Order Addendum used in Washington real estate transactions to authorize and coordinate the property appraisal required by a lender.
When a buyer is obtaining financing, the lender typically orders an appraisal to verify that the home’s value supports the loan amount.
Form 22AWO helps establish how the appraisal will be scheduled and confirms that the parties will cooperate with the appraisal process.
The addendum is typically used alongside the Financing Contingency (Form 22A) and becomes part of the contract attached to the Purchase and Sale Agreement (Form 21).
Video: Form 22AWO Appraisal Work Order Explained
Why the Appraisal Work Order Matters
Mortgage lenders require an appraisal to confirm that the property value supports the loan amount being issued to the buyer.
The appraisal protects the lender from financing a property for more than its market value.
The appraisal process usually involves:
- a licensed appraiser visiting the property
- evaluating the condition and features of the home
- reviewing comparable sales in the area
- preparing a formal appraisal report
Form 22AWO helps ensure the appraisal can be completed smoothly during the transaction timeline.
What Form 22AWO Authorizes
The Appraisal Work Order Addendum allows the lender’s appraiser to access the property and complete the appraisal.
The form may address:
Property access
The seller agrees to allow the appraiser access to the home.
Scheduling coordination
The parties cooperate to schedule the appraisal during the contingency period.
Appraisal cooperation
Both parties acknowledge that the appraisal is part of the buyer’s financing process.
This helps avoid delays that could affect the loan approval timeline.
How Form 22AWO Fits Into the Financing Timeline
The appraisal typically occurs after the transaction reaches mutual acceptance and the buyer formally applies for the mortgage loan.
The general sequence usually looks like this:
- Offer accepted and contract becomes binding
- Buyer begins the loan approval process
- Lender orders the appraisal
- Appraiser visits the property
- Appraisal report is delivered to the lender
- Loan underwriting continues toward final approval
Form 22AWO helps ensure the appraisal step can happen without delays.
What Happens If the Appraisal Comes in Low
If the appraisal comes in below the agreed purchase price, the buyer and seller may need to negotiate next steps.
Possible outcomes include:
- the seller reducing the purchase price
- the buyer increasing the down payment
- both parties negotiating a compromise
- the buyer terminating the contract under the financing contingency
In these situations, buyers may use Form 22AN — Appraisal Contingency Notice to respond to the appraisal results.
Why Form 22AWO Matters in Washington Real Estate
Because most home purchases involve financing, the appraisal process is a critical step in the transaction.
Form 22AWO helps coordinate access to the property and ensures that the lender’s appraisal can occur on schedule.
Understanding how appraisal work orders function helps buyers and sellers avoid delays that could impact loan approval and closing timelines.
You can explore the full library of Washington real estate process explanations here.
Bottom Line
Form 22AWO is the Appraisal Work Order Addendum used in Washington real estate transactions to authorize and coordinate the lender’s appraisal of the property during the financing process.
FAQ
What is Form 22AWO in Washington real estate?
Form 22AWO is the Appraisal Work Order Addendum used to authorize and coordinate the lender’s property appraisal during a financed real estate transaction.
Why is an appraisal required when buying a home?
Lenders require an appraisal to confirm that the property’s value supports the loan amount being issued to the buyer.
Who orders the appraisal?
The buyer’s lender usually orders the appraisal through a licensed appraiser as part of the loan approval process.
What happens if the appraisal is lower than the purchase price?
The buyer and seller may renegotiate the price, the buyer may bring additional funds, or the buyer may terminate the contract depending on the contingency terms.
When does the appraisal usually happen?
The appraisal usually occurs after mutual acceptance while the buyer’s loan is being processed.