Reasons to order an appraisal from Elite Appraisal ServicesThousands of people in Texas buy, sell or refinance their home each year. A lot of these transactions contain a simple line item for an appraisal. The majority of lenders still need a local expert because the stakes are incredibly high, even though there are a budding number of automated home valuation systems that may appear more practical than an appraisal. You might think that securing a mortgage is the only reason to acquire an appraisal, but there are other times when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional could be helpful. Dispute your tax assessmentIt's likely you're paying too much in property taxes if you reside in an area where property values have declined. Property taxes are based upon a previous assessment of your house, so if values have declined in your neighborhood, you can appeal your assessment and save money. When building your case, an appraisal from us is your best evidence. We can assist you in disputing your tax assessment. Eliminating PMI for mortgage paymentsPrivate Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an additional insurance policy that almost all lenders ask homebuyers to purchase when the amount being loaned to the homeowner is more than 80% of the actual value of the property. This additional payment is often lumped into the monthly mortgage payment and is promptly forgotten. This is bad because PMI isn't necessary when the remaining balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - falls below the 80% level. In fact, the United States Congress invoked a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) requiring lenders to dismiss the PMI installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. Elite Appraisal Services will produce a statement regarding the value of your home, and the expense of the appraisal can often be regained in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Order an appraisal from Elite Appraisal Services Order onlineSettle a divorce with fewer hang-upsA divorce is often complicated by the difficult decision of who maintains the home, and it can be a very daunting ordeal for both parties. It's a good idea to order an appraisal from Elite Appraisal Services so both parties are fully aware of the true market value of their property, regardless of the circumstances. The parties will have a clearer picture of what price to set, if they wish 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 assessment. Fair and accurate estate liquidationLosing a loved one is a difficult time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often entails 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. Unlike many wealthy individuals, most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to take care of these issues. 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 leave knowing they've received an honest deal. Relocate to or from Brazoria County for workEmployee relocation is a stressful event, and we understand. That being said, we take great care in organizing 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 about any new sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered during our thorough inspection. Sell your home quickly — 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. An appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for, unlike real estate agents. Our fees aren't a percentage of the sales price, but rather they are calculated on our efforts to finish the appraisal report. We determine the difference in value items like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. Obtaining 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, because we're experts in knowing how long properties are one the market. |