Reasons to order an appraisal

Thousands of people in Arizona buy, sell or refinance their home each year. Many of these transactions contain a simple line item for an appraisal. While there are a growing number of automated home valuation methods that might seem cheaper than an appraisal, most lenders still call for a local expert because the stakes are so high. Is securing a mortgage the only basis for getting an appraisal? Are there also instances when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional might be beneficial? Of course.

Let West Valley Appraisal Services assist you in lowering your mortgage payment

Appeal your tax assessment in Maricopa 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 West Valley Appraisal Services is your best evidence when building your case. At West Valley Appraisal Services, we're equipped to assist you in appealing your tax assessment.

PMI removal to lower a mortgage payment

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an added insurance policy that nearly all lenders ask homeowners to buy when the amount being loaned to the buyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the real estate. This added payment is often folded into the monthly mortgage payment and is quickly forgotten. This is unfortunate because PMI isn't necessary when the remainder 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 requiring lenders to eliminate the PMI payments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met.

West Valley Appraisal Services will provide you with a statement regarding the value of your home, and the cost of the home valuation can generally be recovered 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 a particularly daunting experience for the parties involved, and it is often further complicated by the strenuous decision of who keeps the property. Regardless of the circumstances, it's a good idea to order an appraisal from West Valley Appraisal Services so both parties are completely aware of the true market value of their property.

If the parties want 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 evaluation.

Ascertain 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. The ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) binds us with confidentiality, ensuring the maximum degree of discretion.

Most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to take care of these issues, unlike wealthy individuals. And since a home or other property often makes up an unequal share of the total estate value, knowing the true worth of the real estate at hand is of significant importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've received an honest deal.

Move to or from Maricopa County for work

Employee relocation is a stressful event, and we understand. We take great care in setting up an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our detailed inspection, we suggest relocating employees to provide remarks on the positive features of their property, along with information about any current sales or listings in their area that they want considered.

Close on your home quickly — at the right price

Whether you choose 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 asking price. Unlike a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for. Our fees aren't a percentage of the sales price, but rather they are calculated on our efforts to complete the appraisal report.

On a daily basis, we examine the difference in value things like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. Seeking a professional appraisal is a trusted 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 an unnecessarily long time, because we're experts in knowing how long properties are one the market.

Let West Valley Appraisal Services assist you in selling your home quickly at the right price