Why you should get an appraisalThousands of people in Oregon purchase, sell or refinance their home every month. A lot of these transactions include a simple line item for an appraisal. And even though there are an increasing number of automated home valuation methods that might seem more prudent than an appraisal, the majority of lenders still call in a local expert because the stakes are very high. You might believe that obtaining a mortgage is the only reason to acquire an appraisal, but there are more instances when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional could come in handy. Challenge your tax assessment in Clackamas CountyIt's possible you're paying too much in property taxes if you reside in an area where property values have declined. Ad Valorem taxes are based upon a past assessment of your house, so if prices have gone down in your area, you can appeal your assessment and save money. An appraisal from Willamette Valley Appraisal Professionals is your best evidence when building your case. At Willamette Valley Appraisal Professionals, we're qualified to assist you in appealing your tax assessment. Removing PMI for mortgage paymentsPrivate Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an additional insurance policy that nearly all lenders ask homebuyers to buy when the amount being loaned to the buyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the property. Most often, this additional payment is folded into the monthly mortgage payment and is soon forgotten. PMI isn't required when the remainder of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - dips below the 80% mark, making this very unfavorable. In fact, the United States Congress implemented a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) that requires lenders to dismiss the PMI payments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. Willamette Valley Appraisal Professionals can provide you with a statement regarding the value of your home, and the price you paid for the appraisal can generally be offset in little time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Order your appraisal from Willamette Valley Appraisal Professionals today Order todayDivorce settlement with less stressA divorce can be an especially horrible ordeal for both parties, and it is often even more complicated by the strenuous decision of who keeps the home. Regardless of the situation, it's a good idea to order an appraisal from Willamette Valley Appraisal Professionals so both parties are entirely aware of the true market value of their home. If the parties want to sell the home, they'll have a a good idea of what price to set. And on the flip side, if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've received a fair evaluation. Determine an accurate and fair valuation for estate liquidationLosing 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 utmost degree of discretion. Most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to handle these issues, unlike many wealthy individuals. A home or other property often makes up a disproportionate share of the total estate value, so knowing the true value of the real estate at hand is of significant importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've gotten an honest deal. Move to or from Clackamas County for workEmployee relocation can be a stressful event, and we understand. That being said, we take great care in establishing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our thorough inspection, we encourage relocating employees to provide feedback on the positive aspects of their property, as well as information about any recent sales or listings in their area that they want considered. Sell your home promptly — at the right priceWhether 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 more informed decision when determining your asking price. Apart from a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for. Our fees aren't related to the sales price, but rather they rest on our efforts to finish the appraisal report. On a daily basis, we determine the difference in value items like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. And we're experts in knowing how long housesare on the market. So, obtaining 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. |