There are lots of reasons people call on Realist Appraisal Services

Thousands of people in Michigan purchase, sell or refinance their home every month. Most of these transactions include a simple line item for an appraisal. Nearly all lenders still need a local expert because the stakes are so high, even though there are a developing number of automated home valuation systems that might appear more practical than an appraisal. You might think that securing a mortgage is the only basis for getting an appraisal, but there are additional instances when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional might come in handy.

For real estate appraisals in Fenton and Genesee County, it's easiest when your order online from Realist Appraisal Services, just click here.

Let Realist Appraisal Services help you challenge your tax assessment in Genesee County

If 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 Realist Appraisal Services is your best evidence. At Realist Appraisal Services, we're capable of assisting you in appealing your tax assessment.

Let Realist Appraisal Services assist you in lowering your mortgage payment

When the amount being loaned to the buyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the real estate, many lenders ask homebuyers to buy an added insurance plan. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. This added payment is often bundled into the monthly mortgage payment and is quickly forgotten. PMI is no longer required when the remainder of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - decreases below the 80% level, making this very unfavorable. 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 balance is paid down to 78% of the original value.

If you'd like to eliminate PMI, Realist Appraisal Services will produce a statement regarding the value of your home. The expense of the home valuation can generally be offset in little time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Settling a divorce with less stress with an appraisal from Realist Appraisal Services

A divorce can be a particularly traumatic ordeal for both parties, and it is often even more complicated by the troublesome decision of who gets the house. It's a good idea to order an appraisal from Realist Appraisal Services so both parties are fully aware of the true market value of their property, regardless of the situation.

If the parties wish 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.

Fair and accurate estate liquidation

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

Most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to manage these matters, unlike wealthier individuals. A home or other property often makes up a disproportionate share of the total estate value, so understanding the true value of the real estate at hand is of vital importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've received a fair deal.

Realist Appraisal Services can assist you in relocating to or from Genesee County

We are familiar with the headaches involved with an employee relocation. That being said, we take great care in organizing an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our detailed process, we recommend relocating employees to provide remarks on the positive attributes of their property, along with information about any new sales or listings in their area that they want considered.

Selling your home quickly at the right price

Whether you decide 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 amount the house sells for. Our fees aren't contingent upon the value opinion we render, but rather they are based on our efforts to finish the appraisal.

On a daily basis, we determine the difference in value items like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. Seeking a professional appraisal is a reliable way to determine what improvements will add value and what an applicable 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 stay on the market.