Why you should order an appraisal

To a lot of us, an appraisal just looks like one more thing on the break-sheet for a mortgage or refinance. Nearly all lenders still want a local expert because the stakes are so high, even though there are a growing number of automated home valuation processes that may seem less expensive than an appraisal. But is obtaining a mortgage the only reason to acquire an appraisal? Are there also situations when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional could come in handy? You bet.

For real estate appraisals in Spokane Valley and Spokane County, it's easiest when your order online from Collins Appraisal Service, LLC, just click here.

Appeal your tax assessment in Spokane County

It'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 based upon a previous assessment of your home, 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 Collins Appraisal Service, LLC is your best evidence when building your case. At Collins Appraisal Service, LLC, we're capable of assisting you in disputing your tax assessment.

How can you eliminate PMI to lower your mortgage payment?

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an added insurance policy that nearly all lenders ask buyers to purchase when the amount being loaned to the buyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the property. This extra payment is often lumped into the monthly mortgage payment and is promptly forgotten. PMI isn't necessary when the remainder of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - goes below the 80% level, making this very unfortunate. In fact, the United States Congress passed a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) that requires lenders to remove the PMI installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met.

If you'd like to do away with PMI, Collins Appraisal Service, LLC can give you a statement regarding the value of your home. The expense of the appraisal can usually be offset in little time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

An appraisal from Collins Appraisal Service, LLC will help you settle a divorce with less stress

A divorce is often complicated by the hard decision of who gets the house, and it can be an especially heartbreaking event for both parties. It's a good idea to order an appraisal from Collins Appraisal Service, LLC so both parties are completely aware of the true market value of their house, regardless of the situation.

If the parties want to sell the home, they'll have a clearer picture of what price to set. And if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've gotten a fair assessment.

Settling an estate with peace of mind

Losing a loved one is a hard time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often requires an appraisal to establish Market Value for the real estate involved. The ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) binds us with confidentiality, guaranteeing the utmost degree of discretion.

Unlike wealthier individuals, most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to handle these affairs. And seeing that a home or other property often makes up an uneven share of the total estate value, understanding the true value of the real estate at hand is of essential importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've gotten a fair deal.

Let Collins Appraisal Service, LLC assist you in relocating to or from Spokane County

Employee relocation can be a real pain, and we understand. That being said, we take great care in setting up a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our detailed process, we recommend relocating employees to provide input on the positive characteristics of their property, as well as information regarding any recent sales or listings in their area that they want considered.

Don't sell out short or let your home stay on the market too long.

Whether you choose to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal will help you make a better educated decision regarding your asking price. Separate from a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for. Our fees are derived from our efforts to complete the appraisal report and and aren't related to the sales price.

We determine the difference in value items like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. And we're experts in knowing how long properties are on the market. So, 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 too long, costing you time and money.

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