6 Reasons to consider an appraisal from Hixon & Associates, LLC (334) 215-0388To a lot of people, an appraisal just looks like another fee on the settlement sheet for a home sale or refinance. Even though there are a developing number of automated home valuation processes that may appear to be cheaper than an appraisal, most lenders still call for a local expert because the stakes are very high. Is obtaining a mortgage the only reason to acquire an appraisal? Are there also instances when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional could come in handy? You bet there are. 
Contest your tax assessmentIf you live in an area where the value of property has declined, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. When building your case, an appraisal from us is your best evidence. We're qualified to assist you in challenging your tax assessment. Getting rid of your PMI for mortgage paymentsWhen the amount being loaned to the homeowneris more than 80% of the actual value of the real estate, many lenders ask home owners to take out this additional insurance plan. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. This added payment is often lumped into the monthly mortgage payment and is quickly forgotten. PMI becomes unnecessary when the remaining balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - falls below the 80% mark, making this very unfortunate. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was implemented by the United States Congress that requires lenders to remove the PMI payments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. If you'd like to get rid of PMI, Hixon & Associates, LLC (334) 215-0388 will provide you with a statement regarding the value of your home. The expense of the home valuation can generally be regained in little time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Order your appraisal from Hixon & Associates, LLC (334) 215-0388 today Order onlineDivorce settlement with less stressA divorce is an especially daunting experience for the parties involved, and it is often even more complicated by the burdensome decision of who gets the property. Regardless of the situation, it's a good idea to order an appraisal from Hixon & Associates, LLC (334) 215-0388 so both parties are completely aware of the true market value of their property. The parties will have a clearer picture of what price to set, if they need to sell the home. And if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've gotten a fair assessment. Ascertain a fair and accurate valuation for estate liquidationThe 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 Fair Market Value for the real estate involved. The ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) binds us with confidentiality, guaranteeing the highest degree of discretion. Unlike many wealthy individuals, most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to handle these affairs. A home or other property often makes up a disproportionate share of the total estate value, so knowing the true value of the real estate at hand is of vital importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've received an honest deal. Relocate to or from Montgomery County for workEmployee relocation is a stressful event, and we understand. That being said, we take great care in establishing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our detailed inspection, we encourage relocating employees to provide feedback on the positive aspects of their property, along with information about any new sales or listings in their area that they want considered. Sell your home promptly — at the right priceA professional appraisal can help you make a better educated decision regarding your selling price, whether you want to sell your home on your own or with the help 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 rest on our efforts to finish the appraisal report and and aren't related to the sales price. We determine the difference in value things like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. Seeking a professional appraisal is a trusted 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 houses are one the market. 
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