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6 Reasons to order an appraisal from Accredited Appraisals

To a lot of people, an appraisal is simply another cost in the long list of items for a mortgage or refinance. While there are a developing number of automated home valuation processes that might seem more prudent than an appraisal, most lenders still want a local expert because the stakes are very high. You might assume that getting a mortgage is the only basis for getting an appraisal, but there are additional instances when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional might come in handy.

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Contest your tax assessment in Cook County

It's quite possible 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 previous assessment of your real estate, so if values have gone down in your area, you can challenge your assessment and save money. When building your case, an appraisal from us is your best evidence. We're capable of assisting you in appealing your tax assessment.

Getting rid of your PMI for mortgage payments

When the amount being loaned to the buyeris more than 80% of the actual value of the real estate, most lenders ask homebuyers to purchase this added insurance policy. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. Very often, this additional payment is bundled into the monthly mortgage payment and is soon forgotten. This is bad because PMI isn't required when the remainder 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 passed by the United States Congress that requires lenders to eliminate the PMI installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met.

Accredited Appraisals will give you a statement regarding the value of your home, and the expense of the home valuation 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 can be a very horrible experience for both parties, and it is often further complicated by the challenging decision of who gets the home. It's a good idea to get an appraisal from Accredited Appraisals so both parties are fully aware of the true market value of their home, regardless of the situation.

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

Determine an accurate and fair valuation for estate liquidation

The loss of a loved one is a difficult 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. We guarantee the utmost degree of discretion, as we're bound with confidentiality by the ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).

Unlike wealthy individuals, most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to handle these matters. And seeing that a home or other property often makes up an uneven share of the total estate value, knowing the true value of the real estate at hand is of vital importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've received an honest deal.

Relocate to or from Cook County through an employee relocation program

We understand the stress involved with an employee relocation. That's why we take great care in setting up an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our thorough inspection, we suggest relocating employees to provide input on the positive aspects of their property, as well as information about any recent sales or listings in their area that they want considered.

Close on your home promptly — at the right price

Whether you decide to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal can help you make a better educated decision regarding your selling price. An appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for, apart from real estate agents. Our fees aren't related to the sales price, but rather they are calculated on our efforts to complete the appraisal report.

We determine the difference in value things like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. And we're experts in knowing how long housesstay on the market. So, 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.

Let Accredited Appraisals help you sell your home quickly at the right price