Why you should order an appraisal

To a lot of us, an appraisal is simply one more thing in the long list of items for a mortgage or refinance. Even though there are a developing number of automated home valuation systems that may seem more cost-effective than an appraisal, most lenders still need a local expert because the stakes are very high. You might think that obtaining a mortgage is the only reason you should get an appraisal, but there are other instances when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional might be helpful.

Let Quality Appraisal Services Inc. assist you in lowering your mortgage payment

Appeal your tax assessment in Fairfax County

It's quite possible you're paying too much in property taxes if you reside in an area where property values have depreciated. Property taxes are determined by a previous assessment of your home, so if values are less than what they used to be in your area, you can appeal your assessment and save money. When building your case, an appraisal from us is your best evidence. We can assist you in challenging your tax assessment.

Remove PMI to lower your mortgage payment

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an extra insurance policy that nearly all lenders ask homeowners to purchase when the amount being loaned to the buyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the real estate. This additional payment is often bundled into the monthly mortgage payment and is quickly forgotten. This is unfortunate because PMI is unnecessary when the leftover balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - falls below the 80% mark. In fact, the United States Congress invoked 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.

Quality Appraisal Services Inc. can produce a statement regarding the value of your home, and the price you paid for the appraisal can generally be offset in little time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

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Divorce settlement with fewer hang-ups

A divorce can be a particularly traumatic event for both parties, and it is often even more complicated by the hard decision of who gets the house. So both parties are entirely aware of the true market value of their property, it's a good idea to order an appraisal from Quality Appraisal Services Inc., regardless of the situation.

If the parties need to sell the home, they'll have a clearer picture of what price to set. 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 loss 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 do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to manage these matters, unlike many wealthy individuals. A home or other property often makes up a disproportionate share of the total estate value, so understanding the true worth of the real estate at hand is of essential importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've received an honest deal.

Relocate to or from Fairfax County through an employee relocation program

We are familiar with the headaches involved with an employee relocation. That being said, we take great care in organizing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide input on the positive characteristics of their property, along with information about any recent sales or listings in their area that they want considered during our detailed inspection.

Sell your home promptly — at the right price

A professional appraisal can help you make a more informed decision when determining your selling price, whether you want to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent. Apart from a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for. Our fees are based on our efforts to finish the appraisal report and and aren't related to the sales price.

We examine 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 propertiesstay on the market. So, obtaining a professional appraisal is a trusted 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.

Let Quality Appraisal Services Inc. assist you in selling your home quickly at the right price