Let ASSOCIATES APPRAISAL serve your appraisal needsEvery year, thousands of people in Illinois buy, sell or refinance their home. Many of these transactions consist of a simple line item for an appraisal. And even though there are a budding number of automated home valuation systems that might appear to be more cost-effective than an appraisal, practically all lenders still want a local expert because the stakes are incredibly high. You might assume that getting a mortgage is the only reason you should get an appraisal, but there are additional instances when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional might be beneficial. ![]() Dispute your tax assessmentIf you live in an area where the property value has declined, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. An appraisal from ASSOCIATES APPRAISAL is your best evidence when building your case. We can assist you in disputing your tax assessment. Eliminate PMI to lower your mortgage paymentPrivate Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an extra insurance policy that most lenders ask buyers to buy when the amount being loaned to the home buyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the real estate. Since the added payment is usually lumped into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. This is damaging because PMI isn't necessary when the leftover balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - falls below the 80% mark. In fact, the United States Congress invoked a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) requiring lenders to dismiss the PMI payments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. If you'd like to do away with PMI, ASSOCIATES APPRAISAL will provide you with a statement regarding the value of your home. The cost of the appraisal can often be regained in a short amount of time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Order an appraisal from ASSOCIATES APPRAISAL Order todaySettle a divorce with less stressA divorce is often complicated by the hard decision of who keeps the house, and it can be a very daunting experience for both parties. Regardless of the situation, it's a good idea to get an appraisal from ASSOCIATES APPRAISAL so both parties are entirely aware of the true market value of their home. The parties will have a clearer picture 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 gotten a fair assessment. Accurate and fair estate liquidationThe loss of a loved one is a difficult time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often requires an appraisal to establish Fair 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 handle these affairs, unlike wealthy individuals. And since a home or other property often makes up an unequal share of the total estate value, knowing the true worth of the real estate at hand is of vital importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've gotten an honest deal. Relocate to or from Cook County for workWe are aware of the headaches involved with an employee relocation. That's why we take great care in establishing an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide feedback on the positive characteristics of their property, along with information about any new sales or listings in their area that they want considered during our detailed inspection. Close on your home quickly — for the right priceWhether you want to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal can help you make a better educated decision when determining your asking price. An appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for, unlike real estate agents. Our fees depend on our efforts to finish the appraisal report and and aren't related to the sales price. On a daily basis, we determine the difference in value things like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. Obtaining a professional appraisal is a trusted 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 homes are one the market. ![]() |
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