Why you should hire an appraiserTo many, an appraisal is simply another fee in the long list of items for a home purchase or refinance. Practically all lenders still need a local expert because the stakes are very high, even though there are a developing number of automated home valuation systems that may seem cheaper than an appraisal. You might think that securing a mortgage is the only reason you should get an appraisal, but there are more situations when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional might be helpful. ![]() Challenge your tax assessment in Collier CountyIf you live in an area where the property value has declined, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. An appraisal from Collier Residential Appraisal, Inc. is your best evidence when building your case. At Collier Residential Appraisal, Inc., we're qualified to assist you in appealing your tax assessment. Eliminating PMI for mortgage paymentsPrivate Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an additional insurance plan that most lenders ask home buyers to purchase when the amount being loaned to the home owner is more than 80% of the actual value of the home. This added payment is often bundled into the monthly mortgage payment and is quickly forgotten. This is damaging because PMI isn't necessary when the remaining balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - falls below the 80% level. In fact, the United States Congress implemented a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) that requires lenders to eliminate the PMI installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. If you'd like to get rid of PMI, Collier Residential Appraisal, Inc. will provide you with a statement regarding the value of your home. The price you paid for the home valuation can usually be offset in a short amount of time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Order an appraisal from Collier Residential Appraisal, Inc. Order onlineSettle a divorce with less stressA divorce is a particularly horrible ordeal for the parties involved, and it is often even more complicated by the difficult decision of who keeps the home. So both parties are completely aware of the true market value of their property, it's a good idea to order an appraisal from Collier Residential Appraisal, Inc., regardless of the situation. If the parties want 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 gotten a fair assessment. Fair and accurate estate liquidationThe 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 Fair Market Value for the residential property involved. We guarantee the fullest degree of discretion, as we're bound with confidentiality by the ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). Most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to handle these issues, unlike many wealthy individuals. And since a home or other property often makes up a disproportionate share of the total estate value, knowing the true worth of the real estate at hand is of significant importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've gotten an honest deal. Move to or from Collier County through an employee relocation programEmployee 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 aspects of their property, as well as information about any current sales or listings in their area that they want considered during our detailed inspection. Close on your home quickly — at the right priceA professional appraisal will help you make a better educated decision regarding your asking price, whether you want to sell your home on your own or with the help of a real estate agent. An appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for, unlike real estate agents. Our fees aren't a percentage of the sales price, but rather they depend on our efforts to finish the appraisal report. We examine 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 propertiesare on the market. So, seeking a professional appraisal is a trusted 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. ![]() |