Why you should order an appraisal from Alaska Real Estate AppraisalEvery year, thousands of people in Alaska buy, sell or refinance their home. Many of these transactions have a simple line item for an appraisal. Practically all lenders still need a local expert because the stakes are incredibly high, even though there are a multiplying number of automated home valuation systems that may appear more practical than an appraisal. You might assume that getting a mortgage is the only reason you should get an appraisal, but there are other instances when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional might be beneficial. ![]() Appeal your tax assessment in Matanuska Susitna CountyIt's quite possible you're paying too much in property taxes if you reside in an area where property values have depreciated. Ad Valorem taxes are determined by a past assessment of your home, so if values are less than what they used to be in your area, you can challenge your assessment and save money. When building your case, an appraisal from us is your best evidence. At Alaska Real Estate Appraisal, we're qualified to assist you in disputing your tax assessment. Removing PMI for mortgage paymentsPrivate Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an added insurance policy that almost all lenders ask home owners to purchase when the amount being loaned to the homebuyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the home. This additional payment is often bundled into the monthly mortgage payment and is promptly forgotten. This is unfortunate because PMI isn't necessary when the leftover balance 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 remove the PMI installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. If you'd like to get rid of PMI, Alaska Real Estate Appraisal will give you a statement regarding the value of your home. The price you paid for the appraisal can usually be offset in a short amount of time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Order an appraisal from Alaska Real Estate Appraisal Order todayDivorce settlement with fewer hang-upsA divorce can be a very traumatic ordeal for both parties, and it is often even more complicated by the difficult decision of who gets the house. Regardless of the situation, it's a good idea to get an appraisal from Alaska Real Estate Appraisal so both parties are completely aware of the true market value of their home. The parties will have a clearer picture 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 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 entails an appraisal to establish Fair Market Value for the residential property involved. We guarantee the utmost 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 take care of these affairs. And seeing that a home or other property often makes up an uneven share of the total estate value, understanding the true worth of the real estate at hand is of significant importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've received an honest deal. Move to or from Matanuska Susitna County for workEmployee relocation can be a stressful event, and we understand. We take great care in setting up an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our thorough inspection, we recommend relocating employees to provide remarks on the positive characteristics of their property, as well as information about any recent sales or listings in their area that they want considered. Close on your home promptly — at an accurate priceWhether you decide to sell your home on your own or with the help of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal will help you make a better educated decision regarding your asking price. Unlike a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for. 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 analyze the difference in value things like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. And we're experts in knowing how long housesstay on the market. So, seeking a professional appraisal is a reliable 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. ![]() |