Why you should hire an appraiserTo many, an appraisal is simply a line item on the settlement sheet for a home sale or refinance. Nearly all lenders still call for a local expert because the stakes are very high, even though there are a multiplying number of automated home valuation methods that might appear more prudent than an appraisal. Is obtaining a mortgage the only reason to get an appraisal? Are there other instances when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional might be helpful? You bet. ![]() Dispute your tax assessment in Maricopa CountyIf you reside in an area where property values have declined, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. When building your case, an appraisal from us is your best evidence. At Timeline Appraisal Services, LLC, we're equipped to assist you in appealing your tax assessment. Removing PMI for mortgage paymentsWhen the amount being loaned to the homeowneris more than 80% of the actual value of the property, many lenders ask homebuyers to buy this supplemental insurance policy. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. Since the additional payment is usually folded into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. PMI isn't necessary when the remainder of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - falls below the 80% level, making this very unfavorable. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was passed by the United States Congress requiring lenders to eliminate the PMI installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. If you'd like to eliminate PMI, Timeline Appraisal Services, LLC will provide you with a statement regarding the value of your home. The expense of the appraisal can usually be regained in little time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Order an appraisal from Timeline Appraisal Services, LLC Order todaySettle a divorce with less stressA divorce is a very traumatic experience for the parties involved, and it is often even more complicated by the troublesome decision of who keeps the home. So both parties are entirely aware of the true market value of their house, it's a good idea to order an appraisal from Timeline Appraisal Services, LLC, regardless of the situation. If the parties wish to sell the home, they'll have a a good idea of what price to set. And on the flip side, if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've received 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 residential property involved. The ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) binds us with confidentiality, guaranteeing the fullest degree of discretion. Most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to handle these matters, unlike wealthier 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 essential importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've gotten an honest deal. Relocate to or from Maricopa County through an employee relocation programWe are aware of the headaches involved with an employee relocation. That being said, we take great care in setting up a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our thorough inspection, we suggest relocating employees to provide feedback on the positive attributes of their property, along with information about any new sales or listings in their area that they want considered. Close on your home promptly — for the right priceWhether you decide to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal will help you make a better educated decision when determining your selling price. Apart from a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for. Our fees are calculated on our efforts to finish the appraisal report and not a percentage of the sales price. We determine the difference in value things like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. Getting a professional appraisal is a reliable way to decide what improvements will add value and what a suitable 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 properties stay on the market. ![]() |