Reasons to order an appraisal from Michigan AppraisingTo many, an appraisal just looks like another cost on the settlement sheet for a home sale 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 methods that might seem more practical than an appraisal. Is obtaining a mortgage the only reason to acquire an appraisal? Are there additional situations when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional could come in handy? You bet there are. Challenge your tax assessmentIf you live in an area where the property value has depreciated, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. An appraisal from Michigan Appraising is your best evidence when building your case. At Michigan Appraising, we're qualified to assist you in appealing your tax assessment. PMI removal to reduce a mortgage paymentPrivate Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an additional insurance plan that almost all lenders ask homeowners to buy when the amount being loaned to the buyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the property. Since the added payment is usually folded into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. PMI is unnecessary 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 Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was implemented by the United States Congress requiring lenders to remove the PMI payments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. If you'd like to get rid of PMI, Michigan Appraising will give you a statement regarding the value of your home. The expense of the appraisal can often be offset in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Order an appraisal from Michigan Appraising Order onlineGet a fair valuation on a home take make a divorce settlement less stressfulA divorce is a very horrible ordeal for the parties involved, and it is often more complicated by the burdensome decision of who gets the home. Regardless of the situation, it's a good idea to get an appraisal from Michigan Appraising so both parties are entirely aware of the true market value of their house. If the parties need 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 received a fair evaluation. Fair and accurate estate liquidationThe death 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 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 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 an unequal share of the total estate value, knowing the true worth of the real estate at hand is of significant importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've received an honest deal. Move to or from Leelanau County for workWe know the stress associated with an employee relocation. That being said, we take great care in organizing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide input on the positive aspects of their property, as well as information about any recent sales or listings in their area that they want considered during our intensive inspection. Sell your home quickly — for the right priceWhether you want to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal will help you make a more informed decision when determining your asking price. An appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for, unlike real estate agents. Our fees are based on our efforts to finish the appraisal report and not a percentage of the sales price. On a daily basis, we examine the difference in value items like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. And we're experts in knowing how long propertiesstay on the market. So, seeking 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. |