6 Reasons To Hire an Appraiser

Secret Appraisal Services Most

Homeowners Don’t (But Should) Consider

Most people know about getting an appraisal when they are buying a house. It is an understood and accepted part of the real estate transaction. (If you are buying a house, make sure you protect yourself with a great appraisal. For more information about the appraisal process, click here.)

Did you know there are other reasons to get an appraisal? Most people never even think about ordering an appraisal at other times.

Here are 6 great reasons to hire an appraiser.

Selling A Home

If you are selling a home, you really need to know what the house is worth so you can price it accordingly. Whether you are using a real estate agent or selling for sale by owner, you need to get a Pre-Listing Appraisal.

But it goes beyond simply pricing your home. There are other great reasons to order a Pre-Listing Appraisal. You might also want to know what you can do to increase value. Should you do a kitchen remodel? What about finishing the basement?

I’m a real estate appraiser. I have no vested interest in the price you sell your house for. I am an independent resource that can help you make important decisions throughout the sales process. For more information on the services I provide, click on the link below that best describes you.

I am using a real estate agent.

I am selling my house for sale by owner.

Refinancing/Home Equity

If you are refinancing your house, you need to take a close look at the appraisal. An appraisal is a tool of the lender to insure that the value of your home is enough to secure the loan. You want to make sure that the appraisal is performed independently and honestly. Otherwise you could get a loan that is over the value of your house. In the current market climate, that could cause some serious problems.

There are 2 ways to protect yourself from this problem.

Ask your lender if they will use Above Board Appraisals as your appraiser. You have every right to make sure you are protected by choosing your own appraiser to insure that the value is completely independent. I pride myself on my honest and impartial view. Protect your interests. Don’t over or under value your home.
Even if you your lender won’t use me as an appraiser, make sure you get a look at the appraisal before the loan closes. By law, you are entitled to view the appraisal and receive a copy. Most lenders want you to do this after the close, but there is no reason you can’t review it before you sign on the dotted line and are legally committed to the loan. Even if you don’t review it beforehand, you are entitled to 3 business days to back out of a refinance in Colorado. Make sure that your house was valued properly. I offer a review service that is very inexpensive. Don’t put yourself in a position you'll regret.

PMI

Do you know if you are paying PMI? Do you know what PMI is? I have a whole page over here to tell you more but basically it is insurance for lenders in case you default on your loan. By law, mortgage companies must remove PMI one your home equity meets certain requirements (usually when your mortgage loan is below 80% of the value of your home.) For more on how mortgage companies rob their clients check out our detailed PMI page.

Property Tax Challenge

This is fairly self evident. How do you know that the County Assessor has not overvalued your home? This is especially true in the current market where some home values have gone down. You need to make sure that you are not paying more taxes than you need to. You don’t want to go unarmed when you challenge a county valuation. An appraisal can make a all the difference.

Think it doesn’t happen? I know from personal experience that the Assessor in Teller County consistently overvalues manufactured homes on permanent foundations. You need great documentation in order to challenge the Assessor. I’ll help you through the process and help you achieve a successful appeal.

I'll help you save money every year. Give me a call.

Estate Planning, Liquidation, or Divorce

The loss of a loved one is a difficult time in life. Likewise, a divorce can be a particularly traumatic experience. Sadly, these events are often complicated by difficult decisions regarding joint property including homes. In most cases, a home makes up a huge amount of the total estate value.

I can help. Often the first step in fairly disposing of an estate is to understand its true value. Where property is involved, the appraiser can help determine the true value. At this point, equitable arrangements can more easily be arrived at among disputing parties. Everyone walks away knowing they've received a fair deal.

Let me help you find a fair value. Click here to contact me.

Before (or After) Remodeling

After you do extensive remodeling on a home is a great time to get an appraisal. You want to know if your house has increased in value. Perhaps you can now remove PMI or get a better loan.

Better yet, hire me as an appraisal consultant to help you determine whether a remodel is even worth doing. One of the worst things that I face as an appraiser is telling someone that the $50,000 they dropped into their house will not actually increase the value of the home. It happens all the time. Make sure that the improvements you are considering will increase the value of your home. You also want to make sure that you don’t overbuild for the neighborhood. I can help you make those important decisions.

Contact me for more information or a FREE Consultation

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