Why you should order an appraisal

To many, an appraisal just looks like one more thing in the long list of items for a home sale or refinance. And while there are a budding number of automated home valuation methods that may appear more practical than an appraisal, most lenders still call in a local expert because the stakes are very high. You might assume that getting a mortgage is the only reason you should get an appraisal, but there are other times when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional might be beneficial.


	For real estate appraisals in Powell and Athens County, it's easiest when your order online from J & J Appraisal Services, Inc., just click here.

Dispute your tax assessment in Athens County

If you live in an area where the value of property has declined, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. An appraisal from J & J Appraisal Services, Inc. is your best evidence when building your case. At J & J Appraisal Services, Inc.,we can assist you in appealing your tax assessment.

J & J Appraisal Services, Inc. can help you do away with PMI to lower your mortgage payment

When the amount being loaned to the homeowner is more than 80% of the actual value of the real estate, nearly all lenders ask buyers to purchase an added insurance policy. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. Since the additional payment is usually folded into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. This is damaging because PMI isn't necessary when the remainder of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - falls below the 80% mark. In fact, the United States Congress passed a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) requiring lenders to do away with the PMI payments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met.

J & J Appraisal Services, Inc. can produce a statement regarding the value of your home, and the cost of the appraisal can often be regained in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Settling a divorce with less stress

A divorce is an especially heartbreaking event for the parties involved, and it is often further complicated by the troublesome decision of who maintains the property. It's a good idea to order an appraisal from J & J Appraisal Services, Inc. so both parties are fully aware of the true market value of their house, regardless of the circumstances.

If the parties need to sell the home, they'll have a clearer picture 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 evaluation.

Accurate and fair estate liquidation

Losing a loved one is a painful 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. The ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) binds us with confidentiality, ensuring the maximum degree of discretion.

Most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to manage these issues, unlike wealthy individuals. A home or other property often makes up an unequal 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 a fair deal.

Let J & J Appraisal Services, Inc. assist you in relocating to or from Athens County

We are familiar with the stress associated with an employee relocation. That being said, we take great care in establishing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide remarks on the positive features of their property, along with information about any current sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered during our thorough process.

Selling your home quickly at the right price

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 more informed decision regarding your selling price. An appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for, unlike real estate agents. Our fees aren't a percentage of the sales price, but rather they depend on our efforts to complete the appraisal.

We examine the difference in value things like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. Getting a professional appraisal is a trusted way to determine 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 stay on the market.