Reasons to hire an appraiserTo a lot of people, an appraisal is simply another fee in the long list of items for a home purchase or refinance. Most lenders still need a local expert because the stakes are incredibly high, even though there are an increasing number of automated home valuation methods that may appear to be more prudent than an appraisal. Is obtaining a mortgage the only reason to acquire an appraisal? Are there additional cases when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional could be helpful? Of course there are. ![]() Dispute your tax assessment in Sacramento CountyIf you live in an area where the value of property has declined, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. An appraisal from JTH Appraisals is your best evidence when building your case. We can assist you in appealing your tax assessment. PMI removal to reduce your mortgage paymentWhen the amount being loaned to the homebuyeris more than 80% of the actual value of the home, many lenders ask home buyers to purchase this supplemental insurance plan. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. Most often, this extra payment is lumped into the monthly mortgage payment and is promptly forgotten. This is damaging because PMI is unnecessary when the remainder of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - decreases below the 80% level. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was invoked by the United States Congress that requires lenders to remove the PMI installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. If you'd like to do away with PMI, JTH Appraisals can provide you with a statement regarding the value of your home. The expense of the appraisal can often be regained in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Order an appraisal from JTH Appraisals Order todayGet a fair valuation on a home for divorce settlementsA divorce is often complicated by the strenuous decision of who keeps the property, and it can be an especially horrible experience for both parties. Regardless of the circumstances, it's a good idea to get an appraisal from JTH Appraisals so both parties are entirely aware of the true market value of their property. If the parties need to sell the home, they'll have a clearer picture of what price to set. And if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've gotten a fair assessment. Determine an accurate and fair valuation for estate liquidationThe death of a loved one is a difficult time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often entails 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 highest degree of discretion. Most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to take care of these issues, unlike wealthy individuals. And seeing that a home or other property often makes up an uneven share of the total estate value, understanding the true worth of the real estate at hand is of essential importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've gotten an honest deal. Move to or from Sacramento County for workEmployee relocation is a stressful event, and we understand. We take great care in establishing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide feedback on the positive characteristics of their property, along with information regarding any recent sales or listings in their area that they want considered during our intensive inspection. Close on your home promptly — for the right priceWhether you choose to sell your home on your own or with the help of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal will help you make a more informed decision when determining your selling price. Unlike a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for. Our fees depend on our efforts to finish the appraisal report and not a percentage of the sales price. We analyze the difference in value things like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. And we're experts in knowing how long propertiesare on the market. So, seeking 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. ![]() |