Who pays for Appraisal?

[Tatiana Jimenez]

The seller agreed to pay the closing cost for a house I am buying. My lender is asking for me to pay $900 for the appraisal. I had only planned to pay the 5% down payment on the house. I was expecting the seller to pay all closing cost and I thought that included the appraisal. Does the buyer always pay for the appraisal or the person who agreed to pay the closing cost?

[Nathan Gesner]

An appraisal is the Buyer's responsibility, just like the home inspection. You - or your lender - want to verify the value of the home, so you pay for the appraisal.