Let Appraisal First, Inc. handle your appraisal needsThousands of people in Missouri buy, sell or refinance their home each month. Most of these transactions involve a simple line item for an appraisal. Nearly all lenders still call for a local expert because the stakes are incredibly high, even though there are a developing number of automated home valuation processes that may appear less expensive than an appraisal. Is securing a mortgage the only basis for getting an appraisal? Are there other times when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional might be beneficial? Of course. ![]() Dispute your tax assessmentIt'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 determined by a past assessment of your real estate, so if prices are less than what they used to be in your area, you can challenge your assessment and save money. An appraisal from Appraisal First, Inc. is your best evidence when building your case. At Appraisal First, Inc., we're equipped to assist you in disputing your tax assessment. PMI removal to lower your mortgage paymentPrivate Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is a supplemental insurance plan that nearly all lenders ask home owners to purchase when the amount being loaned to the homeowner is more than 80% of the actual value of the real estate. Most often, this extra payment is folded into the monthly mortgage payment and is promptly forgotten. This is bad because PMI isn't necessary when the remainder of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - falls below the 80% level. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was invoked by the United States Congress requiring lenders to eliminate the PMI installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. Appraisal First, Inc. will give you a statement regarding the value of your home, and the cost of the appraisal can usually be offset in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Get your appraisal from Appraisal First, Inc. Order onlineDivorce settlement with fewer hang-upsA divorce is often complicated by the strenuous decision of who gets the house, and it can be a particularly daunting event for both parties. Regardless of the circumstances, it's a good idea to order an appraisal from Appraisal First, Inc. so both parties are completely aware of the true market value of their home. The parties will have a good idea of what price to set, if they want to sell the home. And if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've gotten a fair evaluation. Accurate and fair estate liquidationThe death of a loved one is a painful 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 highest degree of discretion. Most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to manage these affairs, unlike wealthy individuals. And seeing that a home or other property often makes up a disproportionate share of the total estate value, knowing the true value of the real estate at hand is of vital importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've gotten an honest deal. Relocate to or from Greene County through an employee relocation programEmployee relocation can be a stressful event, and we understand. That's why we take great care in organizing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our detailed inspection, we recommend relocating employees to provide feedback on the positive aspects of their property, along with information about any new sales or listings in their neighborhood 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 will 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 complete the appraisal report and not a percentage of the sales price. We determine the difference in value items like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. And we're experts in knowing how long homesstay on the market. So, getting a professional appraisal is a trusted way to decide what improvements will add value and what a suitable sales price is for your home so you don't come up short or have your house on the market an unnecessarily long time. ![]() |