Reasons someone would call Edwin E Garrison Appraisals

To a lot of people, an appraisal just looks like one more thing on the settlement sheet for a home sale or refinance. Practically all lenders still want a local expert because the stakes are very high, even though there are an increasing number of automated home valuation systems that may seem more cost-effective than an appraisal. But is getting a mortgage the only reason to acquire an appraisal? Are there additional times when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional could come in handy? Of course there are.

Secure appraisal ordering is not a problem with Edwin E Garrison Appraisals. Just click here

Let Edwin E Garrison Appraisals help you challenge your tax assessment in Harris County

It's probable you're paying too much in property taxes if you reside in an area where property values have depreciated. Ad Valorem taxes are determined by a previous assessment of your house, so if values have declined in your neighborhood, you can appeal your assessment and save money. When building your case, an appraisal from Edwin E Garrison Appraisals is your best evidence. At Edwin E Garrison Appraisals, we're qualified to assist you in disputing your tax assessment.

PMI removal will lower your mortgage payment

When the amount being loaned to the home owner is more than 80% of the actual value of the home, many lenders ask home owners to buy an added insurance policy. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. Seeing that extra payment is usually lumped into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. This is damaging because PMI is no longer required when the remaining balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - dips below the 80% level. In fact, the United States Congress implemented a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) requiring lenders to do away with the PMI payments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met.

Edwin E Garrison Appraisals will produce a statement regarding the value of your home, and the expense of the appraisal can often be recovered in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Settling a divorce with less stress with an appraisal from Edwin E Garrison Appraisals

A divorce is often complicated by the challenging decision of who maintains the property, and it can be an especially heartbreaking experience for both parties. It's a good idea to order an appraisal from Edwin E Garrison Appraisals so both parties are completely aware of the true market value of their house, regardless of the situation.

If the parties wish 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 assessment.

Accurate and fair estate liquidation

The loss of a loved one is a difficult time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often requires an appraisal to establish Market Value for the residential property involved. The ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) binds us with confidentiality, ensuring the highest degree of discretion.

Unlike wealthy individuals, most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to manage these matters. And seeing that a home or other property often makes up a disproportionate share of the total estate value, knowing the certain value of the real estate at hand is of significant importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've received an honest deal.

Relocating to or from Harris County

We are familiar with the stress involved with an employee relocation. That's why we take great care in establishing an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide feedback on the positive characteristics of their property, along with information about any new sales or listings in their area that they want considered during our detailed process.

Selling your home quickly at the right price

Whether you decide to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal will help you make a more informed decision when determining your selling price. With much different interests than a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for. The price we charge isn't related to the sales price, but rather they are based on our efforts to finish the appraisal.

We analyze 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 properties are on the market. So, seeking a professional appraisal is a trusted 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 for an extended amount of time.