Reasons to order an appraisal

To many, an appraisal just looks like another fee in the long list of items for a home sale or refinance. Even though there are a multiplying number of automated home valuation methods that may appear to be cheaper than an appraisal, practically all lenders still call for a local expert because the stakes are incredibly high. Is obtaining a mortgage the only basis for getting an appraisal? Are there also times when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional could come in handy? Of course.

Let KEY INSIGHT assist you in lowering your mortgage payment

Challenge your tax assessment in Oneida County

If you live in an area where the property value has 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. We can assist you in disputing your tax assessment.

PMI removal to reduce a mortgage payment

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an extra insurance policy that many lenders ask home owners to buy when the amount being loaned to the homeowner is more than 80% of the actual value of the property. More often than not, this additional payment is folded into the monthly mortgage payment and is quickly forgotten. This is damaging because PMI becomes unnecessary when the remainder of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - falls below the 80% level. In fact, the United States Congress passed 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.

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

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Settle a divorce with fewer hang-ups

A divorce is a particularly traumatic experience for the parties involved, and it is often even more complicated by the challenging decision of who gets the home. Regardless of the circumstances, it's a good idea to get an appraisal from KEY INSIGHT so both parties are fully aware of the true market value of their property.

The parties will have a good idea of what price to set, if they want to sell the home. And if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've received a fair evaluation.

Ascertain a fair and accurate valuation for estate liquidation

The loss 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 highest 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 issues. A home or other property often makes up an unequal share of the total estate value, so knowing the true worth 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 through an employee relocation program

We know the stress associated with an employee relocation. We take great care in establishing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our thorough inspection, we suggest relocating employees to provide input on the positive aspects of their property, along with information about any recent sales or listings in their area that they want considered.

Sell your home quickly — for the right price

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

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 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, because we're experts in knowing how long houses stay on the market.

Let KEY INSIGHT assist you in selling your home quickly at the right price