To many, an appraisal is simply one more thing in the long list of items for a mortgage or refinance. The majority of lenders still call in a local expert because the stakes are very high, even though there are a growing number of automated home valuation methods that may appear to be more practical than an appraisal. You might believe that getting a mortgage is the only reason to acquire an appraisal, but there are additional times when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional could come in handy. 

 

Challenge your tax assessment

If you live 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 Veritas Appraisals and Consulting, LLC is your best evidence. At Veritas Appraisals and Consulting, LLC, we can assist you in disputing your tax assessment. 

 

How can you do away with PMI to lower your mortgage payment?

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an added insurance plan that nearly all lenders ask home buyers to purchase when the amount being loaned to the home owner is more than 80% of the actual value of the real estate. Oftentimes, this extra payment is bundled into the monthly mortgage payment and is quickly forgotten. PMI isn't necessary when the remaining balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - goes below the 80% mark, making this very unfortunate. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was passed by the United States Congress that requires lenders to do away with the PMI payments on most mortgages when the balance is paid down to 78% of the original value. Veritas Appraisals and Consulting, LLC can give you a statement regarding the value of your home, and the cost of the appraisal can often be offset in a short amount of time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. 

 

Divorce settlement with less stress

A divorce is often complicated by the troublesome decision of who gets the home, and it can be a very heartbreaking ordeal for both parties. It's a good idea to order an appraisal from Veritas Appraisals and Consulting, LLC so both parties are entirely aware of the true market value of their property, regardless of the situation. If the parties want to sell the home, they'll have a clearer picture of what price to set. And if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've gotten a fair evaluation. 

 

Fair and accurate estate liquidation with help from Veritas Appraisals and Consulting, LLC Settling an estate

The loss of a loved one is a hard 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 rules within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) binds us with confidentiality, ensuring the maximum degree of discretion. Unlike wealthy individuals, most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to take care of these affairs. And since a home or other property often makes up a disproportionate share of the total estate value, understanding the certain value of the real estate at hand is of significant importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've received an honest deal. 

 

Relocating to or from Kansas City/ Lawrence/ Topeka / Emporia or surrounding areas?

Moving due to a job change can be a more than just an inconvenience, and we understand. We take great care in setting up an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our detailed process, we suggest employees that are moving to provide input on the positive characteristics of their property, along with information about any recent sales or listings in their area that they want considered. 

 

Don't sell out for too little or let your home stay on the market too long.

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

On a daily basis, we determine the difference in value things like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. Obtaining a professional appraisal is a reliable way to decide what improvements will add value and what an appropriate 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.

 

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