Reasons you should order an appraisal from RWA AppraisalsTo a lot of people, an appraisal is simply another cost on the break-sheet for a home sale or refinance. Practically all lenders still call in a local expert because the stakes are very high, even though there are a multiplying number of automated home valuation methods that might seem less expensive than an appraisal. Is getting a mortgage the only reason you should get an appraisal? Are there also times when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional could be beneficial? Of course. ![]() Appeal your tax assessmentIt's quite possible you're paying too much in property taxes if you reside in an area where property values have declined. Property taxes are based upon a past assessment of your real estate, so if prices are less than what they used to be in your neighborhood, you can appeal your assessment and save money. An appraisal from RWA Appraisals is your best evidence when building your case. We're capable of assisting you in appealing your tax assessment. Getting rid of your PMI for mortgage paymentsWhen the amount being loaned to the home buyeris more than 80% of the actual value of the home, nearly all lenders ask buyers to take out this additional insurance policy. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. This additional payment is often folded into the monthly mortgage payment and is soon forgotten. PMI becomes unnecessary when the leftover balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - goes below the 80% level, making this very unfavorable. In fact, the United States Congress implemented a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) that requires lenders to do away with the PMI payments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. If you'd like to do away with PMI, RWA Appraisals will provide you with a statement regarding the value of your home. The cost of the home valuation can often be offset in a short amount of time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Get your appraisal from RWA Appraisals Order onlineDivorce settlement with fewer hang-upsA divorce can be an especially daunting experience for both parties, and it is often further complicated by the difficult decision of who keeps the house. It's a good idea to order an appraisal from RWA Appraisals so both parties are completely aware of the true market value of their house, regardless of the situation. If the parties wish to sell the home, they'll have a clearer picture of what price to set. And on the flip side, if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've gotten a fair evaluation. Accurate and fair 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. The ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) binds us with confidentiality, ensuring the utmost degree of discretion. Unlike many wealthy individuals, most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to manage these issues. A home or other property often makes up an unequal share of the total estate value, so understanding the true worth of the real estate at hand is of essential importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've gotten a fair deal. Move to or from Kitsap County for workWe know the stress associated with an employee relocation. That being said, we take great care in setting up an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our detailed inspection, we suggest relocating employees to provide feedback on the positive aspects of their property, as well as information about any current sales or listings in their area that they want considered. Sell your home quickly — at the right priceA professional appraisal can help you make a more informed decision when determining your selling price, whether you choose to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent. An appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for, apart from real estate agents. Our fees aren't related to the sales price, but rather they are based on our efforts to complete the appraisal report. We analyze the difference in value items like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. Seeking a professional appraisal is a reliable 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 an unnecessarily long time, because we're experts in knowing how long houses are one the market. ![]() |