Why you should order an appraisal from AnDel AppraisalsTo a lot of people, an appraisal just looks like one more thing in the long list of items for a home sale or refinance. Most lenders still need a local expert because the stakes are so high, even though there are a growing number of automated home valuation systems that may seem cheaper than an appraisal. You might assume that securing a mortgage is the only basis for getting an appraisal, but there are other cases when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional could come in handy. ![]() Appeal your tax assessment in Cook CountyIf you reside in an area where the property value has declined, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. When building your case, an appraisal from us is your best evidence. We're equipped to assist you in disputing your tax assessment. Removing PMI for mortgage paymentsPrivate Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an additional insurance policy that many lenders ask homeowners to buy when the amount being loaned to the homebuyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the home. Since the extra payment is usually lumped into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. PMI is no longer required when the remainder of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - goes below the 80% level, making this very unfortunate. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was implemented by the United States Congress that requires lenders to dismiss the PMI installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. If you'd like to do away with PMI, AnDel Appraisals will give you a statement regarding the value of your home. The price you paid for the appraisal can usually be recovered in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Order an appraisal from AnDel Appraisals Order todayDivorce settlement with fewer hang-upsA divorce is often complicated by the hard decision of who keeps the house, and it can be a particularly traumatic experience for both parties. Regardless of the situation, it's a good idea to get an appraisal from AnDel Appraisals so both parties are entirely aware of the true market value of their property. If the parties wish to sell the home, they'll have a better 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 gotten a fair assessment. Fair and accurate estate liquidationThe loss of 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 real estate involved. The ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) binds us with confidentiality, guaranteeing the highest degree of discretion. Most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to handle these matters, unlike many wealthy individuals. A home or other property often makes up a disproportionate 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. Move to or from Cook County for workEmployee relocation can be a stressful event, and we understand. We take great care in organizing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our intensive inspection, we suggest relocating employees to provide feedback on the positive aspects of their property, as well as information about any current sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered. Sell your home promptly — for an accurate priceWhether 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 regarding your asking price. Apart from a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for. Our fees are based on our efforts to finish the appraisal report and not a percentage of the sales price. We examine the difference in value items like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. Obtaining a professional appraisal is a reliable way to decide 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, because we're experts in knowing how long houses are one the market. ![]() |