Let Appraisal First, Inc. handle your appraisal needsThousands of people in Missouri purchase, sell or refinance their home every month. Most of these transactions contain a simple line item for an appraisal. Practically all lenders still call for a local expert because the stakes are so high, even though there are an increasing number of automated home valuation systems that may appear more economical than an appraisal. Is securing a mortgage the only reason to get an appraisal? Are there more situations when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional could come in handy? You bet. ![]() Appeal your tax assessmentIf you are in an area where property values have 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 can assist you in appealing your tax assessment. Remove PMI to lower your mortgage paymentWhen the amount being loaned to the homebuyeris more than 80% of the actual value of the real estate, most lenders ask homebuyers to buy this extra insurance plan. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. This added payment is often bundled into the monthly mortgage payment and is quickly forgotten. PMI is unnecessary when the remainder of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - goes below the 80% mark, making this very unfortunate. In fact, the United States Congress passed a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) that requires lenders to remove the PMI installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. If you'd like to eliminate PMI, Appraisal First, Inc. will produce a statement regarding the value of your home. The price you paid for the home valuation can usually be regained in little time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Order your appraisal from Appraisal First, Inc. today Order todaySettle a divorce with less stressA divorce can be an especially horrible experience for both parties, and it is often even more complicated by the difficult decision of who gets the house. It's a good idea to get an appraisal from Appraisal First, Inc. so both parties are fully aware of the true market value of their house, regardless of the situation. If the parties need to sell the home, they'll have a a good idea of what price to set. And if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've gotten a fair evaluation. Determine an accurate and fair valuation for estate liquidationThe death of a loved one is a hard 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 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 many wealthy individuals, most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to handle these matters. And seeing that a home or other property often makes up a disproportionate share of the total estate value, understanding the true worth of the real estate at hand is of significant importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've received a fair deal. Relocate to or from Greene County for workWe are familiar with the headaches involved with an employee relocation. We take great care in setting up an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide feedback on the positive aspects of their property, as well as information about any new sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered during our detailed inspection. Close on your home quickly — at the right priceWhether you decide to sell your home on your own or with the help of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal will help you make a more informed decision regarding your selling price. Apart from a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for. Our fees depend on our efforts to complete the appraisal report and and aren't related to the sales price. We analyze 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 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 properties are one the market. ![]() |