Why obtain an appraisal from Stanley & Company?

Thousands of people in Texas purchase, sell or refinance their home every month. Many of these transactions contain a simple line item for an appraisal. And even though there are a developing number of automated home valuation systems that might appear to be more practical than an appraisal, most lenders still need a local expert because the stakes are so high. But is getting a mortgage the only reason you should get an appraisal? Are there also situations when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional might be beneficial? You bet.

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Let Stanley & Company help you challenge your tax assessment in Harris County

If you live in an area where property values have depreciated, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. An appraisal from Stanley & Company is your best evidence when building your case. At Stanley & Company, we're equipped to assist you in appealing your tax assessment.

Stanley & Company can help you eliminate PMI to lower your mortgage payment

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is a supplemental insurance policy that nearly all lenders ask buyers to buy when the amount being loaned to the home owner is more than 80% of the actual value of the home. This extra payment is often lumped into the monthly mortgage payment and is quickly forgotten. This is damaging because PMI isn't required when the remainder of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - dips below the 80% level. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was implemented by the United States Congress requiring lenders to eliminate the PMI installments when the balance is paid down to 78% of the original value.

Stanley & Company will provide you with a statement regarding the value of your home, and the cost of the home valuation can generally be recovered in a short amount of time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

An appraisal from Stanley & Company will help you settle a divorce with less stress

A divorce can be an especially traumatic ordeal for both parties, and it is often further complicated by the strenuous decision of who keeps the home. So both parties are completely aware of the true market value of their house, it's a good idea to get an appraisal from Stanley & Company, regardless of the situation.

The parties will have a better idea of what price to set, if they want to sell the home. And if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've received a fair evaluation.

Fair and accurate estate liquidation

The loss 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 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 uneven share of the total estate value, so understanding the true value of the real estate at hand is of essential importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've received a fair deal.

Let Stanley & Company assist you in relocating to or from Harris County

Moving due to a job change is a more than just an inconvenience. We know where you're coming from! We take great care in setting up an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide input on the positive features of their property, as well as information regarding any current sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered during our intensive process.

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

Whether you want to sell your home on your own or with the help of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal can 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 price the house sells for. Our fees are derived from our efforts to perform the appraisal report and not a percentage of the sales price.

On a daily basis, we examine 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, 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 too long, costing you hassle and money.