Why you should get an appraisal

Thousands of people in Texas purchase, sell or refinance their home each year. Most of these transactions consist of a simple line item for an appraisal. And while there are a growing number of automated home valuation systems that might seem less expensive than an appraisal, the majority of lenders still want a local expert because the stakes are very high. But is getting a mortgage the only reason you should get an appraisal? Are there more cases when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional might come in handy? Of course there are.

For real estate appraisals in Frisco and Collin County, it's easiest when your order online from Gene Stewart Appraisal Services, LLC, just click here.

Let Gene Stewart Appraisal Services, LLC help you appeal your tax assessment in Collin County

If you reside in an area where the value of property has depreciated, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. An appraisal from Gene Stewart Appraisal Services, LLC is your best evidence when building your case. At Gene Stewart Appraisal Services, LLC, 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 homeowner is more than 80% of the actual value of the home, nearly all lenders ask home owners to purchase an additional insurance plan. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. Very often, this additional payment is lumped into the monthly mortgage payment and is promptly forgotten. This is unfavorable because PMI is no longer required when the remainder of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - dips below the 80% mark. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was approved by the United States Congress that requires lenders to do away with the PMI payments when the balance is paid down to 78% of the original value.

Gene Stewart Appraisal Services, LLC can provide you with a statement regarding the value of your home, and the expense of the home valuation can often be offset in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Divorce settlement with less stress

A divorce is an especially heartbreaking experience for the parties involved, and it is often further complicated by the strenuous decision of who keeps the home. So both parties are entirely aware of the true market value of their house, it's a good idea to get an appraisal from Gene Stewart Appraisal Services, LLC, regardless of the circumstances.

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.

Trustworthy estate liquidation

The loss of a loved one is a painful 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, guaranteeing the fullest degree of discretion.

Unlike wealthier individuals, most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to manage these matters. A home or other property often makes up an unequal share of the total estate value, so understanding the true value of the real estate at hand is of essential importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've received a fair deal.

Let Gene Stewart Appraisal Services, LLC assist you in relocating to or from Collin County

We know the headaches involved with an employee relocation. That being said, we take great care in establishing an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our intensive process, we suggest relocating employees to provide feedback on the positive characteristics of their property, along with information about any recent sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered.

Don't sell out for too little or keep your home on the market too long.

Whether 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 better educated 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. Our fees aren't a percentage of the sales price, but rather they rest on our efforts to complete the appraisal.

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 houses stay on the market. So, obtaining 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 too long, costing you time and money.