Reasons to order an appraisal from Kernea Appraisals

To many, an appraisal is simply one more thing in the long list of items for a mortgage or refinance. And even though there are a growing number of automated home valuation processes that might seem cheaper than an appraisal, almost all lenders still call in a local expert because the stakes are incredibly high. You might assume that obtaining a mortgage is the only basis for getting an appraisal, but there are additional situations when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional could be beneficial.

Let Kernea Appraisals assist you in lowering your mortgage payment

Contest your tax assessment in Catoosa County

It's probable you're paying too much in property taxes if you live in an area where property values have declined. Property taxes are determined by a previous assessment of your home, so if values have gone down in your area, you can appeal your assessment and save money. An appraisal from Kernea Appraisals is your best evidence when building your case. We can assist you in disputing your tax assessment.

Remove PMI to lower your mortgage payment

When the amount being loaned to the home buyeris more than 80% of the actual value of the real estate, most lenders ask home owners to purchase this extra insurance policy. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. Seeing that added payment is usually bundled into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. This is bad because PMI is no longer required when the leftover balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - decreases below the 80% mark. In fact, the United States Congress passed a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) requiring lenders to remove the PMI installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met.

Kernea Appraisals can produce a statement regarding the value of your home, and the cost of the appraisal can usually be recovered in a short amount of time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

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Settle a divorce with fewer hang-ups

A divorce can be a very horrible event for both parties, and it is often further complicated by the challenging decision of who keeps the house. Regardless of the circumstances, it's a good idea to order an appraisal from Kernea Appraisals so both parties are entirely aware of the true market value of their property.

The parties will have a better idea of what price to set, if they want to sell the home. And on the flip side, if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've received a fair evaluation.

Determine an accurate and fair valuation for estate liquidation

The death 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 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 maximum degree of discretion.

Unlike wealthy individuals, most Americans don't 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 vital importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've received an honest deal.

Relocate to or from Catoosa County for work

Employee relocation is a stressful event, and we understand. We take great care in organizing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our thorough inspection, we suggest relocating employees to provide feedback on the positive features of their property, as well as information about any current sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered.

Close on your home promptly — for the right price

A professional appraisal will help you make a better educated decision regarding your selling price, whether you want to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent. Unlike a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for. Our fees rest on our efforts to complete the appraisal report and and aren't related to the sales price.

On a daily basis, we determine the difference in value items like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. And we're experts in knowing how long homesare on the market. So, seeking a professional appraisal is a reliable 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 an unnecessarily long time.

Let Kernea Appraisals help you sell your home quickly at the right price