Let Scott Appraisals take care of your appraisal

To a lot of people, an appraisal just looks like another fee on the break-sheet for a mortgage or refinance. Practically all lenders still want a local expert because the stakes are so high, even though there are a multiplying number of automated home valuation processes that may appear more practical than an appraisal. But is obtaining a mortgage the only reason you should get an appraisal? Are there more cases when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional might be beneficial? You bet.


	Contact Scott Appraisals if you're planning on any transaction where the value of your property is a factor. Just click here

Challenge your tax assessment in Graham 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 prices have gone down in your area, you can appeal your assessment and save money. When building your case, an appraisal from Scott Appraisals is your best evidence. We're qualified to assist you in appealing your tax assessment.

Removing PMI will lower your mortgage payment

When the amount being loaned to the homebuyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the real estate, almost all lenders ask home buyers to take out an extra insurance plan. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. Since the added payment is usually lumped into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. This is unfavorable because PMI isn't necessary when the remainder of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - decreases 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.

If you'd like to eliminate PMI, Scott Appraisals will provide you with a statement regarding the value of your home. The price you paid for the appraisal can generally be recovered in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Divorce settlement with less stress

A divorce is often complicated by the challenging decision of who gets the house, and it can be a very heartbreaking experience for both parties. It's a good idea to order an appraisal from Scott Appraisals so both parties are fully aware of the true market value of their property, regardless of the situation.

If the parties need to sell the home, they'll have a better 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 gotten a fair evaluation.

Settling an estate with peace of mind

Losing 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. The ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) binds us with confidentiality, guaranteeing the utmost degree of discretion.

Most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to handle these matters, unlike many wealthy individuals. A home or other property often makes up an uneven 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 leave knowing they've gotten an honest deal.

Relocating to or from Graham County?

Moving due to a job change is a real pain, and we understand. That being said, we take great care in establishing an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide input on the positive aspects of their property, along with information regarding any current sales or listings in their area that they want considered during our thorough process.

Selling your home quickly at the right price with an appraisal from Scott Appraisals

Whether you choose to sell your home on your own or with the help of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal can help you make a more informed decision when determining your selling price. An appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for, which is different than the interest of real estate agents. Our fees aren't a percentage of the sales price, but rather they depend on our efforts to complete the appraisal.

On a daily basis, we examine the difference in value things like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. Seeking 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 homes are one the market.