Let West Michigan Appraisal handle your appraisal needs

To a lot of people, an appraisal just looks like one more thing in the long list of items for a mortgage or refinance. And even though there are a budding number of automated home valuation systems that may appear more economical than an appraisal, most lenders still need a local expert because the stakes are so high. Is securing a mortgage the only reason you should get an appraisal? Are there other times when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional could be helpful? You bet.

Let West Michigan Appraisal help you lower your mortgage payment

Challenge your tax assessment

If you reside in an area where the property value has depreciated, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. An appraisal from West Michigan Appraisal is your best evidence when building your case. We can assist you in appealing your tax assessment.

PMI removal to reduce your mortgage payment

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an added insurance policy that almost all lenders ask home owners to buy when the amount being loaned to the home buyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the property. Seeing that extra payment is usually folded into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. This is unfavorable because PMI is no longer required when the leftover balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - dips below the 80% level. In fact, the United States Congress implemented a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) requiring lenders to remove the PMI installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met.

If you'd like to get rid of PMI, West Michigan Appraisal will provide you with a statement regarding the value of your home. The expense of the home valuation can generally be recovered 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 difficult decision of who keeps the home, and it can be a particularly traumatic ordeal for both parties. It's a good idea to order an appraisal from West Michigan Appraisal so both parties are completely aware of the true market value of their property, regardless of the situation.

The parties will have a clearer picture of what price to set, if they wish to sell the home. And if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've gotten a fair evaluation.

Ascertain a fair and accurate valuation for estate liquidation

The loss of a loved one is a hard time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often calls for an appraisal to establish Fair Market Value for the real estate involved. We guarantee the highest 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 take care of these issues, unlike many wealthy individuals. A home or other property often makes up a disproportionate 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 walk away knowing they've gotten a fair deal.

Relocate to or from Manistee County for work

We know the stress involved with an employee relocation. We take great care in establishing an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our intensive inspection, we suggest relocating employees to provide feedback on the positive features of their property, as well as information regarding any current sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered.

Close on your home quickly — for an accurate price

A professional appraisal can help you make a more informed decision regarding your asking price, whether you choose to sell your home on your own or with the help of a real estate agent. An appraiser has no vested interest in what amount 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.

On a daily basis, we examine the difference in value items like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. Obtaining a professional appraisal is a trusted way to determine what improvements will add value and what an applicable 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 stay on the market.

Let West Michigan Appraisal assist you in selling your home quickly at the right price