Ordering an appraisal from Real Estate Valuation Services

To many, an appraisal just looks like a line item in the long list of items for a home sale or refinance. The majority of lenders still call in a local expert because the stakes are very high, even though there are a multiplying number of automated home valuation processes that may appear to be more cost-effective than an appraisal. But is getting a mortgage the only basis for getting an appraisal? Are there additional instances when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional might be helpful? Of course there are.


	For real estate appraisals in Midlothian and Chesterfield County, it's easiest when your order online from Real Estate Valuation Services, just click here.

Challenge your tax assessment in Chesterfield County

It's quite possible you're paying too much in property taxes if you reside in an area where property values have declined. Ad Valorem taxes are based upon a past assessment of your home, so if values are less than what they used to be in your neighborhood, you can challenge your assessment and save money. An appraisal from Real Estate Valuation Services is your best evidence when building your case. We're qualified to assist you in disputing your tax assessment.

Getting rid of your PMI will lower your mortgage payment

When the amount being loaned to the home buyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the home, almost all lenders ask homebuyers to take out an added insurance policy. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. This added payment is often bundled into the monthly mortgage payment and is soon forgotten. PMI is unnecessary when the remainder of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - falls below the 80% mark, making this very unfavorable. In fact, the United States Congress invoked a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) requiring lenders to dismiss the PMI payments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met.

Real Estate Valuation Services will provide you with a statement regarding the value of your home, and the expense of the appraisal can usually be regained in a short amount of time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Divorce settlement with less stress

A divorce is often complicated by the hard decision of who keeps the home, and it can be an especially traumatic occurrence for both parties. Regardless of the situation, it's a good idea to order an appraisal from Real Estate Valuation Services so both parties are entirely aware of the true market value of their home.

If the parties wish to sell the home, they'll have a better idea of what price to set. And if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've gotten a fair assessment.

Settling an estate with peace of mind

Losing a loved one is a difficult time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often requires an appraisal to establish Market Value for the residential property involved. We ensure the highest degree of discretion, as we're bound with confidentiality by the ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).

Unlike wealthier individuals, most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to handle these matters. And since a home or other property often makes up an unequal share of the total estate value, knowing the correct value of the real estate at hand is of vital importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've received an honest deal.

Relocating to or from Chesterfield County

Moving due to a job change is a real pain, and we understand. That being said, we take great care in establishing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our intensive process, we recommend relocating employees to provide input on the positive characteristics of their property, along with information about any current sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered.

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

Whether you decide to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal will help you make a better educated decision when determining your asking price. Unlike a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for. Our fees are based on our efforts to finish the appraisal report and and aren't related to the sales price.

On a daily basis, we determine the difference in value items like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. And we're experts in knowing how long houses are 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 for an extended amount of time.