Reasons to order an appraisal from JLF Appraisals

To a lot of us, an appraisal just looks like one more thing on the break-sheet for a home sale or refinance. The majority of lenders still call in a local expert because the stakes are very high, even though there are a growing number of automated home valuation methods that may appear cheaper than an appraisal. Is obtaining a mortgage the only reason to get an appraisal? Are there other times when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional could be beneficial? Absolutely.

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Appeal your tax assessment in Fresno County

If you live in an area where the property value has depreciated, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. When building your case, an appraisal from us is your best evidence. We can assist you in appealing your tax assessment.

Eliminating PMI for mortgage payments

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is a supplemental insurance policy that nearly all lenders ask homeowners to buy when the amount being loaned to the homebuyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the property. This extra payment is often folded into the monthly mortgage payment and is quickly forgotten. This is bad because PMI isn't necessary when the leftover balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - decreases below the 80% level. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was implemented by the United States Congress that requires lenders to do away with the PMI installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met.

JLF Appraisals will provide you with a statement regarding the value of your home, and the expense of the appraisal can generally be regained in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

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Get a fair valuation on a home take make a divorce settlement less stressful

A divorce is an especially traumatic experience for the parties involved, and it is often even more complicated by the hard decision of who keeps the house. It's a good idea to order an appraisal from JLF Appraisals so both parties are entirely aware of the true market value of their home, regardless of the circumstances.

If the parties want 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 evaluation.

Accurate and fair estate liquidation

The death of a loved one is a difficult time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often requires an appraisal to establish Fair Market Value for the residential property involved. We guarantee the fullest degree of discretion, as we're bound with confidentiality by the ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).

Unlike wealthier individuals, most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to handle these matters. 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 significant importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've gotten an honest deal.

Relocate to or from Fresno County for work

Employee relocation is a stressful event, and we understand. We take great care in establishing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide remarks on the positive attributes of their property, along with information about any recent sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered during our detailed inspection.

Close on your home promptly — for 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 will help you make a more informed decision regarding your asking price. An appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for, unlike real estate agents. Our fees depend on our efforts to complete 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 trusted 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 houses stay on the market.

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