Reasons to order an appraisal from Douglas W. Brown & Associates, Inc.

To many, an appraisal just looks like a line item in the long list of items for a mortgage or refinance. Almost all lenders still call for a local expert because the stakes are very high, even though there are a multiplying number of automated home valuation systems that may seem more prudent than an appraisal. But is getting a mortgage the only basis for getting an appraisal? Are there also instances when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional could be beneficial? Absolutely.

If you're planning on any transaction where the value of your real estate is a factor, you should contact Douglas W. Brown & Associates, Inc.. Just click here.

Challenge your tax assessment in Clay County

If you live in an area where the value of property has depreciated, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. An appraisal from Douglas W. Brown & Associates, Inc. is your best evidence when building your case. At Douglas W. Brown & Associates, Inc., we're qualified to assist you in appealing your tax assessment.

Douglas W. Brown & Associates, Inc. can help you get rid of PMI to lower your mortgage payment

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an added insurance policy that nearly all lenders ask homebuyers to purchase 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 lumped into the monthly mortgage payment and is promptly forgotten. This is unfortunate because PMI becomes unnecessary when the leftover balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - dips below the 80% mark. In fact, the United States Congress passed a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) requiring lenders to eliminate the PMI payments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met.

If you'd like to eliminate PMI, Douglas W. Brown & Associates, Inc. will produce a statement regarding the value of your home. The cost of the home valuation can generally be recovered in a short amount of time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Divorce settlement with less stress

A divorce is often complicated by the difficult decision of who maintains the home, and it can be a very heartbreaking event for both parties. So both parties are completely aware of the true market value of their house, it's a good idea to get an appraisal from Douglas W. Brown & Associates, Inc., regardless of the circumstances.

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

Settling an estate with peace of mind

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 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 wealthy individuals, most Americans do not 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 absolute value of the real estate at hand is of significant importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've received a fair deal.

Relocating to or from Clay County?

Moving due to a job change can be a real pain, and we understand. We take great care in establishing an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our detailed process, we recommend employees that are moving to provide feedback on the positive characteristics of their property, as well as information about any current sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered.

Don't sell out for too little or keep your home on the market too long.

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 better educated decision regarding your selling price. An appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for, unlike real estate agents. Our fees are based on our efforts to finish the appraisal report and not a percentage of the sales price.

On a daily basis, we determine the difference in value items like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. And we're experts in knowing how long homes stay on the market. So, obtaining a professional appraisal is a reliable way to determine what improvements will add value and what an appropriate sales price is for your home so you don't come up short or have your house on the market too long, costing you time and money.