Why you should get an appraisalThousands of people in Virginia buy, sell or refinance their home each month. A lot of these transactions contain a simple line item for an appraisal. While there are a growing number of automated home valuation processes that may appear more prudent than an appraisal, the majority of lenders still call for a local expert because the stakes are so high. You might think that getting a mortgage is the only reason to acquire an appraisal, but there are additional times when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional might be beneficial. Appeal your tax assessmentIt's quite possible you're paying too much in property taxes if you reside in an area where property values have declined. Ad Valorem taxes are determined by a previous assessment of your real estate, so if prices are less than what they used to be in your area, you can challenge your assessment and save money. An appraisal from Quality Appraisal Services Inc. is your best evidence when building your case. At Quality Appraisal Services Inc., we're equipped to assist you in disputing your tax assessment. Get rid of PMI to lower your mortgage paymentWhen the amount being loaned to the home owneris more than 80% of the actual value of the real estate, many lenders ask buyers to buy this supplemental insurance plan. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. Very often, this added payment is bundled into the monthly mortgage payment and is quickly forgotten. PMI is unnecessary when the leftover balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - decreases below the 80% mark, making this very unfavorable. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was passed 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 do away with PMI, Quality Appraisal Services Inc. will produce a statement regarding the value of your home. The expense of the home valuation can generally be offset in little time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Order an appraisal from Quality Appraisal Services Inc. Order todayDivorce settlement with less stressA divorce can be an especially daunting event for both parties, and it is often even more complicated by the troublesome decision of who keeps the home. It's a good idea to get an appraisal from Quality Appraisal Services Inc. so both parties are fully aware of the true market value of their property, regardless of the circumstances. The parties will have a better idea of what price to set, if they wish to sell the home. And if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've gotten a fair assessment. Ascertain a fair and accurate valuation for estate liquidationThe death of a loved one is a painful time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often entails an appraisal to establish Fair Market Value for the residential property involved. The ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) binds us with confidentiality, ensuring the highest degree of discretion. Unlike many wealthy individuals, most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to handle these matters. And since a home or other property often makes up an uneven share of the total estate value, knowing the true value of the real estate at hand is of significant importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've gotten a fair deal. Relocate to or from Fairfax County for workEmployee relocation can be a stressful event, and we understand. That's why we take great care in organizing an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide feedback on the positive aspects of their property, as well as information about any current sales or listings in their area that they want considered during our intensive inspection. Close on your home quickly — for the right priceWhether you want to sell your home on your own or with the help of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal will help you make a better educated decision when determining your asking price. Unlike a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for. Our fees aren't related to the sales price, but rather they are calculated on our efforts to complete the appraisal report. We examine the difference in value things 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 are one the market. |