Allison Appraisal Services in Brentwood perform appraisals for diverse purposes

To many, an appraisal is simply another cost on the break-sheet for a home purchase or refinance. While there are a budding number of automated home valuation systems that may seem more prudent than an appraisal, most lenders still call for a local expert because the stakes are so high. You might think that securing a mortgage is the only reason to get an appraisal, but there are additional times when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional might be beneficial.

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Challenge your tax assessment in Contra Costa 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 real estate, so if prices are less than what they used to be in your neighborhood, you can appeal your assessment and save money. When building your case, an appraisal from Allison Appraisal Services is your best evidence. At Allison Appraisal Services, we're capable of assisting you in challenging your tax assessment.

PMI removal to lower your mortgage payment

When the amount being loaned to the home owner is more than 80% of the actual value of the real estate, almost all lenders ask home owners to take out an extra insurance plan. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. Oftentimes, this additional payment is lumped into the monthly mortgage payment and is quickly forgotten. This is unfavorable because PMI isn't necessary when the leftover balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - falls below the 80% level. In fact, the United States Congress passed a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) requiring 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, Allison Appraisal Services will give you a statement regarding the value of your home. The expense of the home valuation can generally be regained in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

An appraisal from Allison Appraisal Services will help you settle a divorce with less stress

A divorce is often complicated by the hard decision of who maintains the property, and it can be an especially heartbreaking experience for both parties. It's a good idea to get an appraisal from Allison Appraisal Services so both parties are entirely aware of the true market value of their property, regardless of the situation.

If the parties need to sell the home, they'll have a clearer picture 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 with help from Allison Appraisal ServicesSettling an estate

The death of a loved one is a painful 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. The ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) binds us with confidentiality, ensuring the utmost degree of discretion.

Most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to take care of these issues, unlike wealthier individuals. And seeing that a home or other property often makes up a disproportionate share of the total estate value, knowing the precise value of the real estate at hand is of significant importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've received an honest deal.

Relocating to or from Contra Costa County?

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

Sell your home quickly at the right price with an appraisal from Allison Appraisal Services

A professional appraisal can help you make a more informed decision when determining your asking price, whether you choose to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent. An appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for, unlike real estate agents. The price we charge isn't contingent upon the value we come up with, but rather they are calculated on our efforts to complete the appraisal.

We determine the difference in value items like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. And we're experts in knowing how long homes are on the market. So, getting a professional appraisal is a trusted way to determine 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.