6 Reasons to order an appraisal from JML Appraisal Services

Each year, thousands of people in Minnesota purchase, sell or refinance their home. A lot of these transactions contain a simple line item for an appraisal. And while there are an increasing number of automated home valuation processes that may seem more cost-effective than an appraisal, the majority of lenders still call in a local expert because the stakes are incredibly high. You might believe that obtaining a mortgage is the only reason to get an appraisal, but there are additional instances when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional could be beneficial.

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Challenge your tax assessment

It's probable you're paying too much in property taxes if you live in an area where property values have declined. Property taxes are determined by a past assessment of your real estate, so if values are less than what they used to be in your area, you can challenge your assessment and save money. When building your case, an appraisal from us is your best evidence. At JML Appraisal Services, we're equipped to assist you in challenging your tax assessment.

PMI removal to reduce your mortgage payment

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is a supplemental insurance plan that nearly all lenders ask homeowners to buy when the amount being loaned to the homebuyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the home. Seeing that additional payment is usually folded into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. PMI becomes unnecessary when the remaining balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - decreases below the 80% level, making this very unfortunate. In fact, the United States Congress invoked a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) requiring lenders to eliminate the PMI installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met.

If you'd like to eliminate PMI, JML Appraisal Services will give you a statement regarding the value of your home. The cost of the appraisal can usually be recovered in a short amount of time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

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Settle a divorce with fewer hang-ups

A divorce is a very daunting experience for the parties involved, and it is often even more complicated by the troublesome decision of who keeps the house. Regardless of the circumstances, it's a good idea to order an appraisal from JML Appraisal Services so both parties are fully 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.

Fair and accurate estate liquidation

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 Fair Market Value for the real estate involved. We ensure the utmost degree of discretion, as we're bound with confidentiality by the ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).

Unlike many wealthy individuals, most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to handle these matters. And since a home or other property often makes up a disproportionate share of the total estate value, understanding the true value of the real estate at hand is of essential importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've gotten an honest deal.

Move to or from Scott County for work

We understand the stress associated with an employee relocation. We take great care in organizing an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide feedback on the positive attributes of their property, along with information about any current sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered during our intensive inspection.

Close on your home quickly — at the right price

Whether you choose 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 amount the house sells for, unlike real estate agents. Our fees depend on our efforts to complete the appraisal report and not a percentage of the sales price.

On a daily basis, we analyze the difference in value items like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. And we're experts in knowing how long homesstay on the market. So, getting 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.

Let JML Appraisal Services help you sell your home quickly at the right price