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Real Estate Appraising for Northwest Michigan

Reliable and accurate appraisals of single, multi-family, waterfront and large acreage properties. Servicing much of Northwest Michigan.

Quality Real Estate Property Appraisals

Consistent dependable service...
Jim Travioli of Michigan Appraising is a State of Michigan Certified Residential Appraiser. He has the extensive education, competence and experience to produce highly dependable real estate value opinions for all of Northwest Michigan. The highest standards are always followed, whether for a lending institution, AMC, Attorney, homeowner, Realtor or anyone needing an accurate value of their real estate property.As appraising continues to increase in complexity, we are able to keep our rates competitive yet always meet or exceed our client's expectations by employing technology. We also recognize that no matter where you go, service is primary reason clients come, go, stay or refer you to others. You'll be treated with the utmost courtesy in all aspects of working and communicating. Our objective is the best possible experience for our customers. Contact Us Today!

Counties Serviced:

• Antrim
• Benzie
• Charlevoix
• Grand Traverse
• Kalkaska
• Leelanau
• Manistee
• Missaukee
• Wexford

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an appraisal?
An appraisal report is investigation allowing the appraiser to come to an opinion of value. The real estate appraiser will use a several "approaches," typically three, to come to the estimation of worth. One of the methods in use is the Cost Approach, which evaluates what it would cost to restore the improvements to the property, less the age and physical deterioration, plus the land value. Another of the processes is the Sales Comparison Approach - which concerns finding a comparable analysis to other similar properties within a close vicinity which have recently sold. Usually, the Sales Comparison Approach is the most definite indicator of value of a residential property. The third approach is the Income Approach, which is the most important method in appraising income producing properties - it deals with estimating what an investor would pay based on the capital generated by the property.
What does an appraiser do?
An appraiser produces a professional, unbiased opinion of market value, to be used in making real estate sales. Appraisers present their formal investigation in appraisal reports.
Why would a person need a home appraisal?
There are a lot of reasons to order an appraisal from Michigan Appraising with the usual reason being real estate and mortgage transactions. Other reasons for getting an appraisal include: To get a loan. To reduce your tax burden. To officially display the replacement cost of PMI. To contest high property taxes. If you need to settle an estate. To offer you a leg-up when purchasing real estate. To find a reasonable property value when selling real estate. To defend your rights in a condemnation case. Government agencies such as the IRS require an appraisal on every home. It's possible you could have to deal with being in a lawsuit - an appraisal will help.
What is the difference between an appraisal and a home inspection?
Home inspectors do not generate an opinion of value and do not do appraisal reports. An inspection is a third-party evaluation of the livable structure and systems of a property, from the roof to the foundation. Commonly, a home inspection report will discuss the amenities and the necessities of the house: air conditioning (weather permitting), electrical functions, the condition of the heating system, the plumbing; then the structural capacity of the home such as the attic, exposed insulation, walls, floors, ceilings, windows, then the foundation, basement and other visible structures.
Who Actually Owns the Appraisal Report?
In most real estate transactions, the appraisal is ordered by the lender. While the home buyer pays for the report as part of the closing costs, the lender retains the right to use the report or any information contained within. The home buyer is entitled to a copy of the report - it's usually included with all of the other closing documents - but is not entitled to use the report for any other purpose without permission from the lender. The exception to this rule is when a home owner engages an appraiser directly. In these cases, the appraiser may stipulate how the appraisal can be used; for PMI removal, or estate planning or tax challenges, for example. If not stipulated otherwise, the home owner can use the appraisal for any purpose.
What exactly is PMI and how can I get rid of it?
PMI stands for Private Mortgage Insurance. It insures a lender against loss on homes purchased with a down-payment of less than 20%. Once equity in the home reaches 20% you can eliminate the PMI and start saving immediately.
Which home renovations add the most to the price?
The answer to this is different depending upon the location of the home. Different markets value amenities differently. Adding a central air conditioner in Houston, Texas may add significant value, while putting one in a home located in Buffalo, New York might not have much impact. As a rule, the most value returned from renovating a home comes in the kitchen. According to one national survey, kitchen remodels returned an average of 88% of the investment. In other words, a $10,000 kitchen remodeling project would add approximately $8,800 to the value of the home. Bathrooms were second, returning 85%.
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How to Contact Us

By Phone: 231-499-9900 (Office)
By e-mail: [email protected]

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