6 Reasons you should order an appraisal fromEvery year, thousands of people in buy, sell or refinance their home. A lot of these transactions contain a simple line item for an appraisal. And while there are a multiplying number of automated home valuation systems that may seem more cost-effective than an appraisal, practically all lenders still need a local expert because the stakes are incredibly high. You might believe that securing a mortgage is the only reason you should get an appraisal, but there are other instances when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional could be beneficial. 
Contest your tax assessmentIt's quite possible you're paying too much in property taxes if you live in an area where property values have depreciated. Property taxes are determined by a previous assessment of your real estate, so if prices are less than what they used to be in your neighborhood, you can challenge your assessment and save money. An appraisal from is your best evidence when building your case. We're qualified to assist you in disputing your tax assessment. PMI removal to lower a mortgage paymentWhen the amount being loaned to the homebuyeris more than 80% of the actual value of the property, almost all lenders ask homebuyers to take out this added insurance plan. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. Most often, this additional payment is lumped into the monthly mortgage payment and is soon forgotten. PMI becomes unnecessary 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 Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was invoked by the United States Congress that requires lenders to remove the PMI installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. If you'd like to do away with PMI, can produce a statement regarding the value of your home. The expense of the appraisal can generally be regained in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Order an appraisal from Order onlineSettle a divorce with fewer hang-upsA divorce can be a particularly traumatic event for both parties, and it is often more complicated by the challenging decision of who maintains the property. Regardless of the situation, it's a good idea to get an appraisal from so both parties are completely aware of the true market value of their house. The parties will have a clearer picture of what price to set, if they wish to sell the home. And if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've gotten a fair assessment. Ascertain a fair and accurate valuation for estate liquidationThe loss of a loved one is a hard time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often entails an appraisal to establish Fair Market Value for the real estate involved. We ensure the utmost degree of discretion, as we're bound with confidentiality by the ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). Most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to manage these matters, unlike wealthy individuals. A home or other property often makes up a disproportionate share of the total estate value, so understanding the true value of the real estate at hand is of vital importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've gotten an honest deal. Move to or from Fairfax City County for workEmployee relocation can be a stressful event, and we understand. That's why we take great care in setting up an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide remarks on the positive characteristics of their property, as well as information about any recent sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered during our intensive inspection. Close on your home promptly — for the right priceWhether you decide to sell your home on your own or with the help of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal will help you make a more informed decision when determining your asking price. An appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for, unlike real estate agents. Our fees aren't a percentage of the sales price, but rather they rest on our efforts to finish the appraisal report. On a daily basis, we analyze the difference in value things like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. And we're experts in knowing how long homesstay on the market. So, obtaining a professional appraisal is a trusted way to decide what improvements will add value and what an appropriate sales price is for your home so you don't come up short or have your house on the market an unnecessarily long time. 
|