Reasons to order an appraisalTo many, an appraisal is simply one more thing on the settlement sheet for a home purchase or refinance. And even though there are a budding number of automated home valuation methods that may appear to be less expensive than an appraisal, the majority of lenders still call for a local expert because the stakes are incredibly high. Is securing a mortgage the only reason to get an appraisal? Are there more times when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional might be helpful? You bet. ![]() Challenge your tax assessmentIf you live in an area where the value of property has declined, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. When building your case, an appraisal from us is your best evidence. At Quality Appraisal Services Inc., we're equipped to assist you in disputing your tax assessment. Eliminating PMI for mortgage paymentsPrivate Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an extra insurance policy that many lenders ask homebuyers to buy when the amount being loaned to the homeowner is more than 80% of the actual value of the real estate. This added payment is often lumped into the monthly mortgage payment and is soon forgotten. This is unfavorable because PMI isn't required when the leftover balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - dips below the 80% level. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was invoked by the United States Congress requiring lenders to do away with the PMI payments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. Quality Appraisal Services Inc. will provide you with a statement regarding the value of your home, and the expense of the home valuation can usually be regained in a short amount of time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Order an appraisal from Quality Appraisal Services Inc. Order onlineSettle a divorce with fewer hang-upsA divorce is a particularly horrible ordeal for the parties involved, and it is often further complicated by the troublesome decision of who keeps the property. It's a good idea to order an appraisal from Quality Appraisal Services Inc. so both parties are completely aware of the true market value of their home, regardless of the circumstances. The parties will have a better idea of what price to set, if they need 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 evaluation. Accurate and fair estate liquidationThe loss 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. We ensure the maximum 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 manage these affairs, unlike wealthier individuals. A home or other property often makes up an uneven share of the total estate value, so knowing the true value of the real estate at hand is of vital importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've gotten an honest deal. Move to or from Fairfax County through an employee relocation programWe understand the stress associated with an employee relocation. That being said, we take great care in setting up a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our intensive inspection, we encourage relocating employees to provide input on the positive features of their property, as well as information regarding any current sales or listings in their area that they want considered. Close on your home promptly — at the right priceWhether you choose to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal can help you make a more informed decision when determining your selling price. Apart from a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for. Our fees are based on our efforts to complete the appraisal report and not a percentage of the sales price. We determine the difference in value items like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. Getting a professional appraisal is a trusted way to determine what improvements will add value and what an applicable 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. ![]() |