Why you should order an appraisalTo many, an appraisal just looks like one more thing on the break-sheet for a home sale or refinance. And even though there are a growing number of automated home valuation systems that may appear to be more prudent than an appraisal, practically all lenders still call in a local expert because the stakes are incredibly high. Is securing a mortgage the only reason you should get an appraisal? Are there other situations when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional could be helpful? Absolutely. 
Appeal your tax assessmentIf you reside in an area where the value of property has depreciated, 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 disputing your tax assessment. PMI removal to reduce your mortgage paymentWhen the amount being loaned to the home buyeris more than 80% of the actual value of the property, many lenders ask homebuyers to take out this additional insurance plan. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. Very often, this added payment is folded into the monthly mortgage payment and is promptly forgotten. PMI isn't required 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 Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was passed by the United States Congress that requires lenders to remove the PMI payments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. If you'd like to eliminate PMI, Austin Metropolitan Appraisal Group, Inc. will produce a statement regarding the value of your home. The price you paid for the home valuation can often be recovered in little time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Order an appraisal from Austin Metropolitan Appraisal Group, Inc. Order todayGet a fair valuation on a home take make a divorce settlement less stressfulA divorce is often complicated by the hard decision of who gets the property, and it can be a particularly horrible experience for both parties. Regardless of the situation, it's a good idea to order an appraisal from Austin Metropolitan Appraisal Group, Inc. so both parties are completely 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 on the flip side, if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've received a fair assessment. Ascertain 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 real estate involved. We ensure the fullest degree of discretion, as we're bound with confidentiality by the ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). Unlike wealthy individuals, most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to handle these issues. A home or other property often makes up a disproportionate share of the total estate value, so understanding the true worth of the real estate at hand is of vital importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've gotten a fair deal. Relocate to or from Williamson County through an employee relocation programWe are familiar with the stress associated with an employee relocation. That being said, we take great care in establishing an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our thorough inspection, we suggest relocating employees to provide feedback on the positive characteristics of their property, as well as information regarding any current sales or listings in their area that they want considered. Close on your home promptly — for an accurate priceWhether you choose 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. Unlike a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for. Our fees aren't a percentage of the sales price, but rather they are based on our efforts to finish the appraisal report. 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 propertiesstay on the market. So, getting a professional appraisal is a reliable way to decide what improvements will add value and what a suitable sales price is for your home so you don't come up short or have your house on the market an unnecessarily long time. 
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