Why you should order an appraisalTo a lot of people, an appraisal is simply one more thing in the long list of items for a home sale or refinance. Most lenders still need a local expert because the stakes are very high, even though there are a developing number of automated home valuation processes that may seem more economical than an appraisal. You might believe that getting a mortgage is the only basis for getting an appraisal, but there are other cases when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional might be beneficial. 
Appeal your tax assessmentIt's quite possible you're paying too much in property taxes if you live in an area where property values have depreciated. Property taxes are based upon a past assessment of your home, so if prices have declined in your area, you can appeal your assessment and save money. When building your case, an appraisal from us is your best evidence. At Straughan Appraisal Services, we're capable of assisting you in appealing your tax assessment. Remove PMI to lower your mortgage paymentWhen the amount being loaned to the homebuyeris more than 80% of the actual value of the home, most lenders ask home owners to buy this added insurance policy. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. Since the added payment is usually folded into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. PMI isn't necessary when the leftover balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - falls below the 80% level, making this very unfortunate. In fact, the United States Congress invoked a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) 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 eliminate PMI, Straughan Appraisal Services can give you a statement regarding the value of your home. The price you paid for the appraisal can often be recovered in a short amount of time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Order your appraisal from Straughan Appraisal Services today Order todayGet a clear valuation on a home take make a divorce settlement less stressfulA divorce is an especially horrible ordeal for the parties involved, and it is often further complicated by the difficult decision of who maintains the house. So both parties are entirely aware of the true market value of their house, it's a good idea to order an appraisal from Straughan Appraisal Services, regardless of the circumstances. The parties will have a good 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 received a fair evaluation. Ascertain an accurate and fair valuation for estate liquidationLosing a loved one is a hard time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often calls for 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 highest degree of discretion. Most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to handle these matters, unlike many wealthy individuals. A home or other property often makes up an uneven share of the total estate value, so knowing the true worth of the real estate at hand is of vital importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've gotten a fair deal. Relocate to or from Rockwall County for workEmployee relocation is a stressful event, and we understand. That being said, we take great care in establishing an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our intensive inspection, we recommend relocating employees to provide feedback on the positive aspects of their property, as well as information regarding any recent sales or listings in their area that they want considered. Sell your home promptly — at the right priceA professional appraisal will help you make a more informed decision when determining your asking price, whether you decide to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent. Unlike a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for. Our fees depend on our efforts to finish the appraisal report and and aren't related to the sales price. We examine the difference in value items like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. Seeking a professional appraisal is a reliable way to decide 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 properties are one the market. 
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