Let James Earp Appraisal Service attend to your appraisal needsTo a lot of us, an appraisal is simply another fee on the settlement sheet for a mortgage or refinance. Most lenders still need a local expert because the stakes are so high, even though there are a developing number of automated home valuation processes that may appear to be more prudent than an appraisal. You might think that obtaining a mortgage is the only reason to acquire an appraisal, but there are more times when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional could be helpful. ![]() 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 based upon a previous assessment of your house, so if prices are less than what they used to be in your neighborhood, you can appeal your assessment and save money. When building your case, an appraisal from us is your best evidence. We're equipped to assist you in appealing your tax assessment. Removing PMI for mortgage paymentsWhen the amount being loaned to the home buyeris more than 80% of the actual value of the real estate, many lenders ask buyers to take out this supplemental insurance policy. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. Since the added payment is usually bundled into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. This is damaging because PMI is unnecessary when the remainder of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - goes below the 80% level. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was passed by the United States Congress requiring lenders to eliminate the PMI installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. James Earp Appraisal Service will provide you with a statement regarding the value of your home, and the price you paid for the home valuation can often be regained in little time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Order an appraisal from James Earp Appraisal Service Order onlineDivorce settlement with fewer hang-upsA divorce is often complicated by the challenging decision of who gets the house, and it can be a particularly horrible ordeal for both parties. So both parties are entirely aware of the true market value of their property, it's a good idea to get an appraisal from James Earp Appraisal Service, 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 evaluation. Accurate and fair estate liquidationThe death of a loved one is a hard time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often requires 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, ensuring the fullest degree of discretion. Unlike wealthy individuals, most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to take care of these matters. 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 essential importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've received a fair deal. Move to or from Wake County for workWe know the headaches involved 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 feedback on the positive aspects of their property, along with information about any new sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered. Sell your home promptly — at an accurate priceA professional appraisal can help you make a more informed decision when determining your asking price, whether you choose to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent. An appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for, unlike real estate agents. Our fees aren't a percentage of the sales price, but rather they depend on our efforts to complete the appraisal report. On a daily basis, we analyze the difference in value things like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. 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 houses are one the market. ![]() |