Why you should order an appraisal

To many, an appraisal just looks like another fee on the settlement sheet for a home sale or refinance. Nearly all lenders still call in a local expert because the stakes are incredibly high, even though there are a multiplying number of automated home valuation methods that may seem more practical than an appraisal. You might think that obtaining a mortgage is the only basis for getting an appraisal, but there are more instances when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional might come in handy.

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Challenge your tax assessment in Oneida County

If you live in an area where property values have declined, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. An appraisal from KEY INSIGHT is your best evidence when building your case. At KEY INSIGHT, we're qualified to assist you in disputing your tax assessment.

Eliminating PMI for mortgage payments

When the amount being loaned to the home buyeris more than 80% of the actual value of the property, nearly all lenders ask homeowners to purchase this extra insurance policy. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. This additional payment is often lumped into the monthly mortgage payment and is quickly forgotten. PMI isn't necessary when the remainder of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - decreases below the 80% mark, making this very unfortunate. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was passed by the United States Congress that requires lenders to dismiss the PMI installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met.

KEY INSIGHT can provide you with a statement regarding the value of your home, and the cost of the home valuation can usually be regained in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

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Divorce settlement with fewer hang-ups

A divorce is often complicated by the troublesome decision of who maintains the property, and it can be an especially traumatic event for both parties. So both parties are fully aware of the true market value of their home, it's a good idea to order an appraisal from KEY INSIGHT, regardless of the situation.

The parties will have a better idea of what price to set, if they need to sell the home. And on the flip side, if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've gotten a fair evaluation.

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 Fair Market Value for the residential property involved. We ensure the maximum degree of discretion, as we're bound with confidentiality by the ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).

Unlike wealthier individuals, most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to manage these affairs. And since a home or other property often makes up a disproportionate share of the total estate value, knowing the true value of the real estate at hand is of significant importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've gotten an honest deal.

Move to or from Oneida County for work

We understand the headaches involved with an employee relocation. We take great care in organizing an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide remarks on the positive features of their property, as well as information about any current sales or listings in their area that they want considered during our intensive inspection.

Close on your home promptly — for an accurate price

Whether 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 regarding your selling price. An appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for, apart from real estate agents. Our fees aren't related to the sales price, but rather they depend on our efforts to finish the appraisal report.

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 housesare on the market. So, obtaining a professional appraisal is a trusted way to determine 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.

Let KEY INSIGHT help you sell your home quickly at the right price