Why you should order an appraisalEach year, thousands of people in North Carolina purchase, sell or refinance their home. Most of these transactions include a simple line item for an appraisal. And even though there are an increasing number of automated home valuation systems that may appear less expensive than an appraisal, most lenders still call for a local expert because the stakes are very high. Is getting a mortgage the only basis for getting an appraisal? Are there also situations when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional might come in handy? Of course there are. 
Challenge your tax assessment in Craven CountyIf you are in an area where the property value has declined, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. When building your case, an appraisal from us is your best evidence. We're capable of assisting you in challenging your tax assessment. Removing PMI for mortgage paymentsPrivate Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an added insurance plan that many lenders ask homebuyers to buy when the amount being loaned to the homebuyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the home. Oftentimes, this added payment is bundled into the monthly mortgage payment and is quickly forgotten. This is unfortunate because PMI becomes unnecessary when the remainder of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - goes below the 80% level. In fact, the United States Congress implemented a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) requiring lenders to do away with the PMI installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. If you'd like to get rid of PMI, First Choice Appraisals will produce a statement regarding the value of your home. The price you paid for the appraisal can often be offset in a short amount of time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Get your appraisal from First Choice Appraisals Order todayGet a fair valuation on a home take make a divorce settlement less stressfulA divorce can be a very horrible event for both parties, and it is often even more complicated by the troublesome decision of who gets the home. It's a good idea to get an appraisal from First Choice Appraisals so both parties are fully aware of the true market value of their home, regardless of the situation. The parties will have a a good idea 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 received a fair evaluation. Accurate and fair estate liquidationThe death 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. 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 don't 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 knowing 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. Relocate to or from Craven County through an employee relocation programEmployee relocation can be a stressful event, and we understand. We take great care in establishing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our intensive inspection, we encourage relocating employees to provide input on the positive aspects of their property, along with information about any recent sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered. Sell your home quickly — at an accurate priceA professional appraisal can help you make a more informed decision when determining your asking price, whether you want to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent. Unlike a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for. Our fees rest on our efforts to finish the appraisal report and and aren't related to the sales price. We examine the difference in value items like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. And we're experts in knowing how long homesare on the market. So, obtaining a professional appraisal is a reliable 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. 
|