Why you should get an appraisalThousands of people in Colorado purchase, sell or refinance their home every year. Most of these transactions involve a simple line item for an appraisal. While there are a multiplying number of automated home valuation methods that might appear more prudent than an appraisal, almost all lenders still call in a local expert because the stakes are very high. Is securing a mortgage the only basis for getting an appraisal? Are there more instances when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional might be helpful? You bet. 
Contest your tax assessment in El Paso CountyIt's quite possible you're paying too much in property taxes if you live in an area where property values have declined. Property taxes are based upon a previous assessment of your home, so if prices are less than what they used to be in your neighborhood, you can appeal your assessment and save money. When building your case, an appraisal from us is your best evidence. We're qualified to assist you in disputing your tax assessment. PMI removal to lower your mortgage paymentWhen the amount being loaned to the homebuyeris more than 80% of the actual value of the property, almost all lenders ask homebuyers to purchase this added insurance plan. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. This added payment is often bundled into the monthly mortgage payment and is quickly forgotten. PMI is no longer required when the leftover balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - falls below the 80% mark, making this very unfavorable. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was passed by the United States Congress 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, Live Colorado Appraisals can give you a statement regarding the value of your home. The expense of the home valuation can often be recovered in a short amount of time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Get your appraisal from Live Colorado Appraisals Order onlineSettle a divorce with fewer hang-upsA divorce can be an especially traumatic ordeal for both parties, and it is often even more complicated by the strenuous decision of who gets the house. It's a good idea to get an appraisal from Live Colorado Appraisals so both parties are fully aware of the true market value of their home, regardless of the circumstances. If the parties wish to sell the home, they'll have a a good idea of what price to set. And if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've gotten a fair evaluation. Fair and accurate estate liquidationThe loss of a loved one is a painful time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often calls for an appraisal to establish Fair Market Value for the residential property involved. The ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) binds us with confidentiality, guaranteeing the highest degree of discretion. Most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to take care of these affairs, unlike wealthy individuals. A home or other property often makes up an uneven 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 leave knowing they've received an honest deal. Relocate to or from El Paso County through an employee relocation programWe understand the headaches associated with an employee relocation. That being said, we take great care in setting up a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide input 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 detailed inspection. Close on your home promptly — for an accurate priceA professional appraisal can help you make a better educated decision regarding your selling price, whether you decide 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 depend on our efforts to complete the appraisal report and and aren't related to the sales price. We examine the difference in value items 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, getting 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. 
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