Why you should order an appraisal from James Earp Appraisal Service

To many, an appraisal is simply a line item on the settlement sheet for a home sale or refinance. And while there are a budding number of automated home valuation methods that might appear more economical than an appraisal, nearly all lenders still call in a local expert because the stakes are incredibly high. You might believe that obtaining a mortgage is the only reason to acquire an appraisal, but there are additional instances when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional could be beneficial.

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Challenge your tax assessment in Wake County

If you reside in an area where property values have depreciated, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. When building your case, an appraisal from us is your best evidence. At James Earp Appraisal Service, we're capable of assisting you in disputing your tax assessment.

PMI removal to lower your mortgage payment

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an extra insurance plan that many lenders ask home owners to buy when the amount being loaned to the buyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the property. Oftentimes, this added payment is bundled into the monthly mortgage payment and is soon forgotten. This is unfortunate because PMI is no longer required when the remainder of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - dips below the 80% mark. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was invoked by the United States Congress that requires lenders to do away with the PMI payments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met.

If you'd like to do away with PMI, James Earp Appraisal Service can produce a statement regarding the value of your home. The price you paid for the home valuation can usually be offset in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

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Settle a divorce with less stress

A divorce is often complicated by the challenging decision of who keeps the house, and it can be a very daunting ordeal for both parties. It's a good idea to get an appraisal from James Earp Appraisal Service so both parties are entirely aware of the true market value of their home, regardless of the circumstances.

If the parties need to sell the home, they'll have a a good idea 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 evaluation.

Accurate and fair estate liquidation

Losing 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 maximum 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 affairs, unlike wealthier individuals. A home or other property often makes up an unequal share of the total estate value, so knowing the true value of the real estate at hand is of essential importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've gotten an honest deal.

Move to or from Wake County through an employee relocation program

Employee relocation is a stressful event, and we understand. That's why we take great care in establishing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide input on the positive features of their property, as well as information regarding any new sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered during our detailed inspection.

Close on your home quickly — for an accurate price

A professional appraisal will help you make a more informed decision regarding your selling price, whether you decide 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. Our fees are based on our efforts to complete the appraisal report and not a percentage of the sales price.

On a daily basis, we examine the difference in value items like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. 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 a suitable 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 James Earp Appraisal Service assist you in selling your home quickly at the right price