Real Estate Sales, Consulting, and Appraisals
Let us handle your appraisal needs
To a lot of us, an appraisal just looks like another fee on the settlement sheet for a mortgage or refinance. And even though there are a growing number of automated home valuation methods, practically all lenders still want an appraisal by a local expert because the stakes are very high. Is getting a mortgage the only reason you should get an appraisal? Are there other situations when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional could be helpful? Of course, there are.
Challenge your tax assessment
If you reside in an area where the value of property has declined, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. When building your case, an independent, unbiased appraisal can be your best tool in disputing your tax assessment.
PMI removal to reduce a mortgage payment
Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an additional insurance plan when the amount being loaned to the home buyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the property. This added payment is often lumped into the monthly mortgage payment and is promptly forgotten. PMI isn't required when the remaining balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - decreases below the 80% mark, making this very unfortunate. In fact, the United States Congress passed a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) requiring lenders to remove the PMI installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met.
The price you paid for the home valuation can often be recovered in a couple months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.
Divorce settlement with fewer hang-ups
A divorce is often complicated by the burdensome decision of who gets the property, and it can be an especially daunting ordeal for both parties. It's a good idea to get an appraisal so both parties are entirely aware of the true market value of their home, regardless of the situation.
Accurate and fair estate liquidation
The loss of a loved one is a difficult time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often calls for an appraisal to establish Fair Market Value for the residential property involved. The ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) binds us with confidentiality, guaranteeing the highest degree of discretion.
Relocation for work
Employee relocation can be a stressful event, and we understand. That's why we take great care in organizing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our detailed inspection, we suggest relocating employees to provide remarks on the positive characteristics of their property.
Close on your home quickly — for an accurate price
Whether you want to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal can help you make a better-educated decision regarding your selling price. An appraiser is the only party in a real estate transaction who has no vested interest in what the house sells for. Our fees are calculated on our efforts to finish the appraisal report, not a commission.
Seeking a professional appraisal is a trusted way to determine what improvements will add value and what an appropriate sales price is for property so you don't come up short or have your house on the market an unnecessarily long time.
We also offer diminished value and ERC relocation services.
