Why you should get an appraisal from Childress and Associates

To many, an appraisal is simply a line item on the settlement sheet for a home purchase or refinance. Even though there are a developing number of automated home valuation systems that may appear more practical than an appraisal, most lenders still call for a local expert because the stakes are very high. You might think that obtaining a mortgage is the only basis for getting an appraisal, but there are more instances when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional could be helpful.

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Dispute your tax assessment

It's quite possible you're paying too much in property taxes if you reside in an area where property values have depreciated. Property taxes are based upon a previous assessment of your home, so if values have gone down in your area, you can appeal your assessment and save money. When building your case, an appraisal from us is your best evidence. We can assist you in disputing your tax assessment.

Remove PMI to lower your mortgage payment

When the amount being loaned to the homeowneris more than 80% of the actual value of the home, nearly all lenders ask homebuyers to purchase this extra insurance policy. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. This additional payment is often folded into the monthly mortgage payment and is promptly forgotten. PMI is unnecessary when the remainder of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - falls below the 80% mark, making this very unfortunate. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was implemented by the United States Congress requiring lenders to do away with the PMI installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met.

Childress and Associates will give you a statement regarding the value of your home, and the expense of the appraisal can generally be offset in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

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Get a clear valuation on a home for divorce settlements

A divorce is often complicated by the hard decision of who gets the home, and it can be a particularly horrible occurrence for both parties. So both parties are entirely aware of the true market value of their house, it's a good idea to order an appraisal from Childress and Associates, regardless of the situation.

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.

Determine a fair and accurate 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 entails 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 fullest degree of discretion.

Most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to take care of these matters, unlike many wealthy individuals. 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 a fair deal.

Move to or from Kern County for work

Employee relocation can be a stressful event, and we understand. 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 characteristics of their property, as well as information about any current sales or listings in their area that they want considered during our detailed inspection.

Sell your home promptly — for an accurate price

A professional appraisal will help you make a better educated decision regarding your asking price, whether you choose to sell your home on your own or with the help of a real estate agent. An appraiser has no vested interest in what price 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 analyze the difference in value items like an additional 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 applicable 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 homes stay on the market.

Let Childress and Associates assist you in selling your home quickly at the right price