Reasons someone would use the services of Volunteer Appraisal Service

To a lot of people, an appraisal is simply another cost in the long list of items for a home purchase or refinance. Most lenders still want a local expert because the stakes are incredibly high, even though there are a growing number of automated home valuation methods that might appear to be more economical than an appraisal. But is obtaining a mortgage the only reason you should get an appraisal? Are there other instances when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional might be helpful? Of course.

For real estate appraisals in Crossville and Cumberland County, it's easiest when your order online from Volunteer Appraisal Service, just click here.

Dispute your tax assessment in Cumberland County

It's likely you're paying too much in property taxes if you reside in an area where property values have declined. Ad Valorem taxes are determined by a previous assessment of your home, so if prices are less than what they used to be in your area, you can challenge your assessment and save money. When building your case, an appraisal from Volunteer Appraisal Service is your best evidence. We're qualified to assist you in disputing your tax assessment.

Volunteer Appraisal Service can help you do away with PMI to lower your mortgage payment

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an additional insurance plan that almost all lenders ask homebuyers to buy when the amount being loaned to the home buyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the real estate. This extra payment is often lumped into the monthly mortgage payment and is soon forgotten. PMI is no longer required when the remaining balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - decreases below the 80% level, making this very unfavorable. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was approved by the United States Congress that requires lenders to remove the PMI payments when the balance is paid down to 78% of the original value.

If you'd like to do away with PMI, Volunteer Appraisal Service can produce a statement regarding the value of your home. The cost of the appraisal can often be offset in a short amount of time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

An appraisal from Volunteer Appraisal Service will help you settle a divorce with less stress

A divorce can be a very traumatic ordeal for both parties, and it is often more complicated by the troublesome decision of who keeps the home. So both parties are fully aware of the true market value of their house, it's a good idea to order an appraisal from Volunteer Appraisal Service, regardless of the circumstances.

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

Trustworthy estate liquidation

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

Unlike many 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 uneven share of the total estate value, knowing the absolute value of the real estate at hand is of essential importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've received a fair deal.

Volunteer Appraisal Service can help you with relocating to or from Cumberland County

We are aware of the headaches associated with an employee relocation. That being said, we take great care in setting up a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide input on the positive aspects of their property, along with information regarding any recent sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered during our thorough process.

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

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 when determining your selling price. Unlike a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for. Our fees are derived from our efforts to perform the appraisal report and not a percentage of the sales price.

We examine the difference in value items like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. Obtaining a professional appraisal is a reliable way to decide 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 an unnecessarily long time - because we're experts in knowing how long properties are one the market.