Reasons you should order an appraisal fromTo many, an appraisal is simply one more thing on the break-sheet for a home sale or refinance. Even though there are an increasing number of automated home valuation systems that might appear cheaper than an appraisal, practically all lenders still call for a local expert because the stakes are so high. Is securing a mortgage the only reason to acquire an appraisal? Are there more instances when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional might be beneficial? Of course. Challenge your tax assessment in Fairfax City CountyIt's possible you're paying too much in property taxes if you live in an area where property values have declined. Ad Valorem taxes are based upon a previous assessment of your home, so if values are less than what they used to be in your area, you can challenge your assessment and save money. When building your case, an appraisal from us is your best evidence. We're capable of assisting you in challenging your tax assessment. Getting rid of your PMI for mortgage paymentsWhen the amount being loaned to the buyeris more than 80% of the actual value of the property, almost all lenders ask home owners to buy this supplemental insurance plan. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. This added payment is often lumped into the monthly mortgage payment and is promptly forgotten. This is bad because PMI is unnecessary when the remainder of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - dips below the 80% level. In fact, the United States Congress implemented a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) requiring lenders to eliminate the PMI installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. will produce a statement regarding the value of your home, and the expense of the appraisal can usually be offset in little time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Order your appraisal from today Order onlineDivorce settlement with less stressA divorce is a particularly traumatic ordeal for the parties involved, and it is often more complicated by the hard decision of who gets the home. It's a good idea to get an appraisal from so both parties are completely aware of the true market value of their property, regardless of the circumstances. The parties will have a better idea of what price to set, if they want to sell the home. And on the flip side, if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've gotten a fair evaluation. Determine an accurate and fair valuation for estate liquidationLosing a loved one is a painful time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often requires 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 maximum degree of discretion. Unlike many wealthy individuals, most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to take care of these affairs. And since a home or other property often makes up a disproportionate share of the total estate value, knowing the true value of the real estate at hand is of significant importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've gotten a fair deal. Move to or from Fairfax City County for workEmployee relocation is a stressful event, and we understand. We take great care in establishing an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide feedback on the positive aspects of their property, along with information about any recent sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered during our thorough inspection. Sell your home promptly — at an accurate priceA professional appraisal can help you make a more informed decision when determining your asking price, whether you want to sell your home on your own or with the help of a real estate agent. Unlike a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for. Our fees aren't a percentage of the sales price, but rather they depend on our efforts to finish the appraisal report. On a daily basis, we analyze the difference in value items like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. And we're experts in knowing how long propertiesstay on the market. So, getting a professional appraisal is a trusted way to decide what improvements will add value and what a suitable sales price is for your home so you don't come up short or have your house on the market an unnecessarily long time. |