Reasons to order an appraisal

Thousands of people in Connecticut buy, sell or refinance their home each year. Many of these transactions consist of a simple line item for an appraisal. Almost 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 processes that may appear more prudent than an appraisal. You might believe that obtaining a mortgage is the only reason to get an appraisal, but there are other instances when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional might come in handy.

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Dispute your tax assessment in Fairfield County

If you reside in an area where property values have declined, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. An appraisal from Fairfield Appraisal is your best evidence when building your case. We're equipped 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 owner is more than 80% of the actual value of the real estate, almost all lenders ask home owners to take out an supplemental insurance policy. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. Very often, this extra payment is folded into the monthly mortgage payment and is soon forgotten. PMI becomes unnecessary when the remaining balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - decreases below the 80% level, making this very unfortunate. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was passed by the United States Congress requiring lenders to remove the PMI payments when the balance is paid down to 78% of the original value.

If you'd like to get rid of PMI, Fairfield Appraisal will produce a statement regarding the value of your home. The cost of the home valuation can often be regained in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Settling a divorce with less stress with an appraisal from Fairfield Appraisal

A divorce can be a very traumatic experience for both parties, and it is often more complicated by the burdensome decision of who gets the home. So both parties are entirely aware of the true market value of their house, it's a good idea to get an appraisal from Fairfield Appraisal, regardless of the circumstances.

The parties will have a a good idea of what price to set, if they wish 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.

Settling an estate with peace of mind

The loss of a loved one is a painful time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often calls for 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, guaranteeing the utmost degree of discretion.

Most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to handle these affairs, unlike wealthier individuals. And since a home or other property often makes up a disproportionate share of the total estate value, understanding the precise value of the real estate at hand is of significant importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've gotten a fair deal.

Fairfield Appraisal can help you with relocating to or from Fairfield County

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

Sell your home quickly at the right price

A professional appraisal will help you make a more informed decision regarding your selling price, whether you choose to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent. Unlike a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for. Our fees aren't contingent upon the value we report, but rather they rest on our efforts to complete the appraisal.

We examine the difference in value items like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. Seeking 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 - because we're experts in knowing how long houses are one the market.