Reasons to order an appraisal from CR&S Appraisal Services

To a lot of people, an appraisal is simply one more thing in the long list of items for a mortgage or refinance. Even though there are an increasing number of automated home valuation methods that may seem cheaper than an appraisal, almost all lenders still call in a local expert because the stakes are so high. Is obtaining a mortgage the only reason to get an appraisal? Are there more cases when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional might come in handy? You bet there are.

Let CR&S Appraisal Services help you lower your mortgage payment

Appeal your tax assessment

It's probable you're paying too much in property taxes if you live in an area where property values have declined. Ad Valorem taxes are determined by a past assessment of your house, so if prices are less than what they used to be in your area, you can appeal your assessment and save money. An appraisal from CR&S Appraisal Services is your best evidence when building your case. We can assist you in appealing your tax assessment.

PMI removal to reduce your mortgage payment

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an additional insurance plan that most lenders ask home owners to buy when the amount being loaned to the home buyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the real estate. This additional payment is often bundled into the monthly mortgage payment and is soon forgotten. This is unfortunate because PMI isn't necessary when the remaining balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - dips below the 80% mark. In fact, the United States Congress invoked a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) requiring lenders to dismiss the PMI payments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met.

CR&S Appraisal Services can produce a statement regarding the value of your home, and the price you paid for the appraisal can usually be recovered in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

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Divorce settlement with less stress

A divorce is often complicated by the burdensome decision of who maintains the property, and it can be an especially horrible ordeal for both parties. It's a good idea to order an appraisal from CR&S Appraisal Services so both parties are fully aware of the true market value of their house, regardless of the situation.

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

Accurate and fair estate liquidation

The death of a loved one is a hard time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often entails an appraisal to establish Fair 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 maximum degree of discretion.

Most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to manage these affairs, unlike wealthy individuals. And seeing that a home or other property often makes up a disproportionate 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 gotten a fair deal.

Move to or from Franklin County through an employee relocation program

Employee relocation can be a stressful event, and we understand. That's why we take great care in setting up an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our detailed inspection, we encourage relocating employees to provide input on the positive characteristics of their property, as well as information regarding any new sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered.

Close on your home quickly — for the right price

Whether you want to sell your home on your own or with the help of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal can 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, apart from real estate agents. Our fees depend on our efforts to finish the appraisal report and not a percentage of the sales price.

On a daily basis, we analyze the difference in value items like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. Seeking a professional appraisal is a reliable 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, because we're experts in knowing how long homes stay on the market.

Let CR&S Appraisal Services assist you in selling your home quickly at the right price