Why you should order an appraisal from ASAP Appraisal GroupTo a lot of people, an appraisal is simply a line item on the break-sheet for a mortgage or refinance. Nearly all lenders still call for a local expert because the stakes are very high, even though there are a budding number of automated home valuation systems that may appear cheaper than an appraisal. You might think that securing a mortgage is the only basis for getting an appraisal, but there are other cases when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional could be beneficial. ![]() Challenge your tax assessment in Polk CountyIt's likely 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 values have gone down in your area, you can appeal your assessment and save money. When building your case, an appraisal from us is your best evidence. We're equipped to assist you in disputing your tax assessment. PMI removal to reduce your mortgage paymentPrivate Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an extra insurance policy that almost all lenders ask homeowners to buy when the amount being loaned to the home buyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the property. This additional payment is often bundled into the monthly mortgage payment and is promptly forgotten. This is damaging because PMI becomes unnecessary when the remainder of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - goes below the 80% level. 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 payments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. If you'd like to get rid of PMI, ASAP Appraisal Group will produce a statement regarding the value of your home. The price you paid for the appraisal can generally be recovered in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Get your appraisal from ASAP Appraisal Group Order onlineSettle a divorce with less stressA divorce can be a particularly horrible ordeal for both parties, and it is often more complicated by the hard decision of who gets the home. Regardless of the situation, it's a good idea to get an appraisal from ASAP Appraisal Group so both parties are fully aware of the true market value of their home. The parties will have a a good 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 gotten a fair evaluation. Determine 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 residential property involved. We guarantee the highest 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 handle these issues, unlike wealthier individuals. And since a home or other property often makes up a disproportionate share of the total estate value, understanding the true value of the real estate at hand is of vital importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've gotten a fair deal. Move to or from Polk County through an employee relocation programWe know the stress involved with an employee relocation. We take great care in establishing an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our intensive inspection, we encourage relocating employees to provide input on the positive features of their property, along with information about any current sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered. Close on your home promptly — for the right priceWhether you decide to sell your home on your own or use the assistance 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 amount the house sells for. Our fees aren't a percentage of the sales price, but rather they are calculated on our efforts to complete the appraisal report. We examine the difference in value items like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. And we're experts in knowing how long propertiesstay on the market. So, 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. ![]() |