profile picture

Reasons to get an appraisal

To a lot of us, an appraisal just looks like another fee on the settlement sheet for a home purchase or refinance. The majority of lenders still need a local expert because the stakes are very high, even though there are a growing number of automated home valuation processes that might appear to be more prudent than an appraisal. You might assume that obtaining a mortgage is the only reason to acquire an appraisal, but there are more instances when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional could be beneficial.

If you're planning on any transaction where the value of your property is a factor, just contact Jarrett Appraisal Services. Just click here.

Let Jarrett Appraisal Services help you appeal your tax assessment in Salem County

If you live in an area where property values have declined, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. When building your case, an appraisal from Jarrett Appraisal Services is your best evidence. At Jarrett Appraisal Services,we can assist you in appealing your tax assessment.

PMI removal to lower your mortgage payment

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an added insurance plan that almost all lenders ask home owners to purchase when the amount being loaned to the homeowner is more than 80% of the actual value of the real estate. Most often, this additional payment is bundled into the monthly mortgage payment and is quickly forgotten. PMI is no longer required when the leftover balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - falls below the 80% mark, making this very unfortunate. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was approved by the United States Congress requiring lenders to eliminate the PMI installments when the balance is paid down to 78% of the original value.

Jarrett Appraisal Services can provide you with a statement regarding the value of your home, and the cost of the appraisal can often be offset in a short amount of time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Settling a divorce with less stress

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

The parties will have a better idea of what price to set, if they wish 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.

Settling an estate with peace of mind

The loss of a loved one is a hard time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often requires 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.

Unlike many wealthy individuals, most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to handle these matters. A home or other property often makes up an uneven 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 leave knowing they've gotten a fair deal.

Relocating to or from Salem County?

We understand the stress involved with an employee relocation. That being said, we take great care in setting up a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide remarks on the positive characteristics of their property, along with information regarding any recent sales or listings in their area that they want considered during our detailed process.

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

Whether you choose to sell your home on your own or with the help of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal will help you make a better educated decision when determining 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 are calculated on our efforts to complete the appraisal report and not a percentage of the sales price.

On a daily basis, we determine the difference in value things like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. Seeking a professional appraisal is a trusted 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 - because we're experts in knowing how long properties stay on the market.