Why you should order an appraisal from Compass Appraisal

Thousands of people in Florida buy, sell or refinance their home each month. A lot of these transactions include a simple line item for an appraisal. While there are an increasing number of automated home valuation methods that might seem more economical than an appraisal, the majority of lenders still want a local expert because the stakes are so high. You might assume that obtaining a mortgage is the only basis for getting an appraisal, but there are additional instances when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional might be helpful.

For real estate appraisals in Crawfordville and Wakulla County, it's easiest when your order online from Compass Appraisal, just click here.

Challenge your tax assessment in Wakulla County

It's probable you're paying too much in property taxes if you reside in an area where property values have declined. Property taxes are determined by a previous assessment of your house, so if values have gone down in your neighborhood, you can appeal your assessment and save money. An appraisal from Compass Appraisal is your best evidence when building your case. We're capable of assisting you in disputing your tax assessment.

Let Compass Appraisal assist you in lowering your mortgage payment

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is a supplemental insurance policy that almost all lenders ask home owners to purchase when the amount being loaned to the buyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the home. This additional payment is often lumped into the monthly mortgage payment and is promptly forgotten. This is unfortunate because PMI isn't required when the remaining balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - falls below the 80% mark. In fact, the United States Congress passed a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) requiring lenders to do away with the PMI payments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met.

Compass Appraisal can provide you with a statement regarding the value of your home, and the cost of the appraisal can generally be regained in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Divorce settlement with less stress

A divorce is often complicated by the challenging decision of who maintains the property, and it can be an especially traumatic event for both parties. Regardless of the situation, it's wise to get an appraisal from Compass Appraisal so both parties are completely aware of the true market value of their property.

The parties will have a better 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 received a fair evaluation.

Fair and accurate estate liquidation with help from Compass AppraisalSettling an estate

The death of a loved one is a painful time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often requires an appraisal to establish Market Value for the real estate involved. The ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) binds us with confidentiality, ensuring the fullest degree of discretion.

Unlike wealthier individuals, most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to handle these matters. And seeing that a home or other property often makes up an unequal share of the total estate value, understanding the certain value of the real estate at hand is of vital importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've received a fair deal.

Compass Appraisal can assist you in relocating to or from Wakulla County

We know the stress involved with an employee relocation. That's why we take great care in organizing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our intensive process, we recommend employees that are moving to provide feedback on the positive aspects of their property, as well as information regarding any new sales or listings in their area that they want considered.

Selling your home quickly at the right price with an appraisal from Compass Appraisal

A professional appraisal can help you make a more informed decision when determining your asking 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 depend on our efforts to perform the appraisal report and not a percentage of the sales price.

We analyze the difference in value items like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. Getting a professional appraisal is a reliable way to determine 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 stay on the market.