Reasons to get an appraisalTo a lot of people, an appraisal is simply a line item on the settlement sheet for a home sale or refinance. Most lenders still call in a local expert because the stakes are so high, even though there are a multiplying number of automated home valuation processes that may seem less expensive than an appraisal. You might think that securing a mortgage is the only reason to acquire an appraisal, but there are more cases when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional could be beneficial. Contest your tax assessmentIf you live in an area where the property value has declined, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. When building your case, an appraisal from us is your best evidence. At Island House Appraisals Inc, we're capable of assisting you in appealing your tax assessment. Getting rid of your PMI for mortgage paymentsPrivate Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an added insurance plan that almost all lenders ask home owners to purchase when the amount being loaned to the homeowner is more than 80% of the actual value of the home. This additional payment is often bundled into the monthly mortgage payment and is soon forgotten. This is unfortunate because PMI isn't necessary when the leftover balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - dips below the 80% mark. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was passed by the United States Congress requiring lenders to eliminate the PMI installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. If you'd like to do away with PMI, Island House Appraisals Inc will provide you with a statement regarding the value of your home. The expense of the appraisal can generally be offset in a short amount of time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Order an appraisal from Island House Appraisals Inc Order todayGet a fair valuation on a home for divorce settlementsA divorce is often complicated by the challenging decision of who keeps the home, and it can be a very traumatic ordeal for both parties. Regardless of the circumstances, it's a good idea to order an appraisal from Island House Appraisals Inc so both parties are entirely aware of the true market value of their house. If the parties need to sell the home, they'll have a clearer picture of what price to set. And on the flip side, if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've received a fair assessment. Ascertain an accurate and fair 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 calls for an appraisal to establish Fair Market Value for the real estate involved. The ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) binds us with confidentiality, ensuring the highest degree of discretion. Most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to take care of these matters, unlike many 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 significant importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've received an honest deal. Move to or from Martin County through an employee relocation programWe understand the headaches involved with an employee relocation. That's why we take great care in establishing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide remarks on the positive features of their property, along with information regarding any recent sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered during our detailed inspection. Close on your home promptly — for the right priceWhether you want to sell your home on your own or with the help of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal will help you make a better educated decision regarding your selling price. An appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for, apart from real estate agents. Our fees aren't related to the sales price, but rather they rest on our efforts to complete the appraisal report. We examine the difference in value things like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. And we're experts in knowing how long homesare on the market. So, getting a professional appraisal is a reliable way to decide what improvements will add value and what an applicable sales price is for your home so you don't come up short or have your house on the market an unnecessarily long time. |