Reasons someone would need Leland Baggett Real Estate Appraisers

To a lot of people, an appraisal is simply a line item on the break-sheet for a home sale or refinance. And even though there are a growing number of automated home valuation methods that may seem more economical than an appraisal, practically all lenders still call in a local expert because the stakes are very high. But is securing a mortgage the only reason you should get an appraisal? Are there more instances when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional might be helpful? Of course.

Challenge your tax assessment in Baldwin County

It's possible you're paying too much in property taxes if you live in an area where property values have depreciated. Ad Valorem taxes are determined by a past assessment of your house, so if prices have declined in your area, you can challenge your assessment and save money. When building your case, an appraisal from Leland Baggett Real Estate Appraisers is your best evidence. We're qualified to assist you in disputing your tax assessment.

Leland Baggett Real Estate Appraisers can help you get rid of PMI to lower your mortgage payment

When the amount being loaned to the homeowner is more than 80% of the actual value of the home, many lenders ask homebuyers to take out an supplemental insurance plan. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. Most often, this additional payment is lumped into the monthly mortgage payment and is promptly forgotten. PMI isn't required when the remainder of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - goes below the 80% mark, making this very unfavorable. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was implemented by the United States Congress requiring lenders to do away with the PMI payments on most mortgages when the balance is paid down to 78% of the original value.

If you'd like to get rid of PMI, Leland Baggett Real Estate Appraisers can provide you with a statement regarding the value of your home. The cost of the home valuation can generally be recovered in little time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Settling a divorce with less stress

A divorce is an especially heartbreaking ordeal for the parties involved, and it is often even more complicated by the difficult decision of who keeps the property. Regardless of the circumstances, it's a good idea to get an appraisal from Leland Baggett Real Estate Appraisers so both parties are completely aware of the true market value of their house.

If the parties need 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 gotten a fair evaluation.

Settling an estate with peace of mind

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 Market Value for the real estate involved. We ensure the fullest degree of discretion, as we're bound with confidentiality by the ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).

Unlike many wealthy individuals, most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to handle these affairs. A home or other property often makes up a disproportionate share of the total estate value, so understanding the true value of the real estate at hand is of vital importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've gotten an honest deal.

Let Leland Baggett Real Estate Appraisers help you with relocating to or from Baldwin County

Moving due to a job change can be a real pain, and we understand. We take great care in organizing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide feedback on the positive aspects of their property, as well as information about any current sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered during our thorough process.

Don't sell out short or let your home stay on the market too long.

Whether you decide to sell your home on your own or with the help of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal can help you make a more informed decision regarding your asking price. An appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for, which is different than the interest of real estate agents. Our fees aren't related to the sales price, but rather they are based on our efforts to complete the appraisal.

We determine the difference in value things like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. And we're experts in knowing how long houses are on the market. So, seeking a professional appraisal is a reliable 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 for an extended amount of time.