Reasons to get an appraisal from Greater Houston Area AppraisalsTo a lot of us, an appraisal just looks like one more thing in the long list of items for a mortgage or refinance. And while there are an increasing number of automated home valuation methods that might seem more practical than an appraisal, almost all lenders still call in a local expert because the stakes are so high. You might assume that securing a mortgage is the only basis for getting an appraisal, but there are other cases when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional might be helpful. 
Challenge 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. Ad Valorem taxes are determined by a past assessment of your house, so if prices have declined in your neighborhood, 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. Remove PMI to lower your mortgage paymentPrivate Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an added insurance plan that most lenders ask buyers to purchase when the amount being loaned to the homebuyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the real estate. Very often, this added payment is bundled into the monthly mortgage payment and is quickly forgotten. This is unfortunate because PMI is unnecessary when the leftover balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - falls below the 80% mark. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was implemented by the United States Congress that requires lenders to do away with the PMI installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. Greater Houston Area Appraisals will produce a statement regarding the value of your home, and the price you paid for the home valuation can often be offset in a short amount of time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Order an appraisal from Greater Houston Area Appraisals Order todayGet a clear valuation on a home for divorce settlementsA divorce is a very traumatic event for the parties involved, and it is often further complicated by the burdensome decision of who gets the house. So both parties are completely aware of the true market value of their home, it's a good idea to get an appraisal from Greater Houston Area Appraisals, regardless of the circumstances. If the parties wish to sell the home, they'll have a better idea of what price to set. 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 liquidationThe loss of a loved one is a difficult time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often requires an appraisal to establish Fair Market Value for the real estate involved. We ensure the maximum 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 affairs, unlike wealthier individuals. A home or other property often makes up a disproportionate share of the total estate value, so knowing 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 Harris County for workEmployee relocation can be a stressful event, and we understand. That being said, we take great care in setting up an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide input on the positive aspects of their property, along with information about any new sales or listings in their area that they want considered during our thorough inspection. Close on your home quickly — for an accurate priceWhether you want to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal can help you make a more informed decision regarding your selling price. An appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for, unlike real estate agents. Our fees aren't related to the sales price, but rather they are calculated on our efforts to finish the appraisal report. We determine the difference in value things like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. And we're experts in knowing how long propertiesare on the market. So, 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. 
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