Reasons to order an appraisal from Allatoona Appraisal

To a lot of us, an appraisal is simply another fee on the break-sheet for a mortgage or refinance. Most lenders still call for a local expert because the stakes are so high, even though there are a developing number of automated home valuation processes that may appear more prudent than an appraisal. You might think that securing a mortgage is the only reason to get an appraisal, but there are additional times when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional might be beneficial.

Let Allatoona Appraisal help you lower your mortgage payment

Contest your tax assessment in Cobb County

It'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 past assessment of your house, so if values are less than what they used to be in your area, 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 challenging your tax assessment.

Get rid of PMI to lower your mortgage payment

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an added insurance plan that nearly all lenders ask buyers to buy when the amount being loaned to the home owner is more than 80% of the actual value of the property. More often than not, this extra payment is lumped into the monthly mortgage payment and is quickly forgotten. PMI isn't required when the leftover balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - dips below the 80% level, making this very unfortunate. In fact, the United States Congress invoked a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) that requires lenders to dismiss the PMI installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met.

Allatoona Appraisal can 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.

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Divorce settlement with fewer hang-ups

A divorce is often complicated by the strenuous decision of who gets the home, and it can be a particularly horrible occurrence for both parties. So both parties are fully aware of the true market value of their property, it's a good idea to get an appraisal from Allatoona Appraisal, regardless of the circumstances.

The parties will have a better idea 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 received a fair assessment.

Accurate and fair estate liquidation

The loss of a loved one is a difficult time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often calls for an appraisal to establish Fair Market Value for the residential property involved. We ensure the utmost degree of discretion, as we're bound with confidentiality by the ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).

Most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to take care of these issues, unlike wealthy individuals. 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 vital importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've received a fair deal.

Relocate to or from Cobb County through an employee relocation program

Employee relocation is a stressful event, and we understand. That's why we take great care in establishing an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide remarks on the positive characteristics of their property, as well as information about any recent sales or listings in their area that they want considered during our intensive inspection.

Close on your home promptly — for the right price

Whether 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 more informed decision when determining your asking price. 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 are based on our efforts to complete the appraisal report.

We analyze the difference in value items like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. Getting a professional appraisal is a reliable way to determine what improvements will add value and what an appropriate 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 stay on the market.

Let Allatoona Appraisal assist you in selling your home quickly at the right price