Reasons to hire an appraiserTo many, an appraisal is simply one more thing in the long list of items for a home purchase or refinance. Almost all lenders still call for a local expert because the stakes are very high, even though there are an increasing number of automated home valuation methods that may appear cheaper than an appraisal. You might believe that obtaining a mortgage is the only reason you should get an appraisal, but there are more instances when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional might come in handy. Challenge your tax assessmentIt's probable you're paying too much in property taxes if you reside in an area where property values have declined. Property taxes are determined by a previous assessment of your home, so if prices have declined 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 equipped to assist you in appealing your tax assessment. Eliminating PMI for mortgage paymentsWhen the amount being loaned to the home owneris more than 80% of the actual value of the property, nearly all lenders ask buyers to take out this added insurance policy. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. Seeing that extra payment is usually lumped into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. PMI isn't required when the leftover balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - goes below the 80% level, making this very unfortunate. In fact, the United States Congress passed a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) that requires lenders to remove the PMI payments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. If you'd like to eliminate PMI, Irvine Appraising Company will produce a statement regarding the value of your home. The expense of the appraisal can generally be regained in a short amount of time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Order an appraisal from Irvine Appraising Company Order todayDivorce settlement with less stressA divorce is often complicated by the challenging decision of who gets the property, and it can be a very daunting experience for both parties. It's a good idea to order an appraisal from Irvine Appraising Company so both parties are entirely aware of the true market value of their property, regardless of the circumstances. If the parties want to sell the home, they'll have a better idea of what price to set. And if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've gotten a fair evaluation. Ascertain a fair and accurate valuation for estate liquidationThe death of 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. Most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to manage these issues, unlike wealthier individuals. And since a home or other property often makes up an unequal share of the total estate value, knowing the true worth of the real estate at hand is of vital importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've gotten an honest deal. Move to or from Salt Lake County through an employee relocation programWe are familiar with the stress involved with an employee relocation. That's why we take great care in organizing an accommodating 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 new sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered during our detailed inspection. Sell your home promptly — at the right priceWhether you want to sell your home on your own or with the help of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal can help you make a better educated decision regarding your asking price. Unlike a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for. Our fees rest on our efforts to finish the appraisal report and not a percentage of the sales price. We determine the difference in value items like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. Getting a professional appraisal is a trusted way to determine 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, because we're experts in knowing how long homes are one the market. |