Why you should get an appraisal from EClark Group Appraisals, Inc.To a lot of us, an appraisal is simply one more thing on the settlement sheet for a home purchase or refinance. Most lenders still call for a local expert because the stakes are very high, even though there are a growing number of automated home valuation methods that might seem more cost-effective than an appraisal. Is securing a mortgage the only reason to get an appraisal? Are there additional instances when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional might be beneficial? Absolutely. ![]() Contest your tax assessment in Montgomery CountyIf you live in an area where the value of property has depreciated, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. An appraisal from EClark Group Appraisals, Inc. is your best evidence when building your case. At EClark Group Appraisals, Inc., we're capable of assisting you in challenging your tax assessment. Get rid of PMI to lower your mortgage paymentPrivate Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an extra insurance plan that most 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. More often than not, this added payment is bundled into the monthly mortgage payment and is quickly forgotten. This is damaging because PMI isn't required when the leftover balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - decreases below the 80% level. 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. EClark Group Appraisals, Inc. can provide you with a statement regarding the value of your home, and the price you paid for the appraisal can often be offset in little time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Order your appraisal from EClark Group Appraisals, Inc. today Order onlineSettle a divorce with less stressA divorce is often complicated by the strenuous decision of who keeps the home, and it can be a particularly horrible ordeal for both parties. So both parties are completely aware of the true market value of their home, it's a good idea to order an appraisal from EClark Group Appraisals, Inc., regardless of the circumstances. The parties will have a a good idea of what price to set, if they need to sell the home. And on the flip side, if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've gotten a fair evaluation. Fair and accurate estate liquidationThe death of a loved one is a painful time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often entails an appraisal to establish Fair Market Value for the residential property involved. We guarantee the fullest 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 manage these affairs, unlike many wealthy individuals. And seeing that a home or other property often makes up a disproportionate share of the total estate value, understanding the true value of the real estate at hand is of vital importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've received a fair deal. Move to or from Montgomery County for workWe are aware of the stress associated with an employee relocation. That's why we take great care in setting up a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide input 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 thorough inspection. Sell your home quickly — for the right priceA professional appraisal will help you make a better educated decision when determining your asking price, whether you decide to sell your home on your own or with the help of a real estate agent. An appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for, unlike real estate agents. Our fees are based on our efforts to finish the appraisal report and not a percentage of the sales price. We determine the difference in value things like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. And we're experts in knowing how long propertiesare on the market. So, obtaining a professional appraisal is a trusted 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. ![]() |