Reasons someone would hire A G Stewart Appraisal Services

To many, an appraisal just looks like another fee on the settlement sheet for a home sale or refinance. The majority of lenders still call for a local expert because the stakes are very high, even though there are a multiplying number of automated home valuation methods that may seem more economical than an appraisal. You might believe that securing a mortgage is the only reason to get an appraisal, but there are additional instances when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional might be beneficial.

Contact A G Stewart Appraisal Services if you're planning on any transaction where the worth of your home is a factor. Just click here

Appeal your tax assessment in Los Angeles County

It's probable you're paying too much in property taxes if you reside in an area where property values have declined. Property taxes are based upon a past assessment of your house, 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 A G Stewart Appraisal Services is your best evidence. At A G Stewart Appraisal Services,we can assist you in appealing your tax assessment.

PMI removal to lower your mortgage payment

When the amount being loaned to the homeowner is more than 80% of the actual value of the property, many lenders ask homebuyers to buy an additional insurance policy. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. Very often, this added payment is folded into the monthly mortgage payment and is quickly forgotten. PMI isn't necessary when the remaining balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - falls below the 80% mark, making this very unfavorable. 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.

If you'd like to eliminate PMI, A G Stewart Appraisal Services can provide you with a statement regarding the value of your home. The expense of the appraisal can generally be recovered in little time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Settling a divorce with less stress

A divorce is an especially daunting experience for the parties involved, and it is often more complicated by the strenuous decision of who keeps the house. So both parties are entirely aware of the true market value of their home, it's a good idea to order an appraisal from A G Stewart Appraisal Services, regardless of the circumstances.

If the parties wish to sell the home, they'll have a better idea of what price to set. And if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've gotten a fair assessment.

Fair and accurate estate liquidation

The loss of a loved one is a difficult time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often requires 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 many wealthy individuals, most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to handle these issues. And seeing that a home or other property often makes up a disproportionate share of the total estate value, understanding the true value of the real estate at hand is of essential importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've gotten an honest deal.

Relocating to or from Los Angeles County?

We are aware of the stress involved with an employee relocation. We take great care in organizing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide input on the positive aspects of their property, as well as information regarding any new sales or listings in their area that they want considered during our intensive process.

Selling your home quickly at the right price

A professional appraisal will help you make a more informed decision when determining your selling price, whether you decide to sell your home on your own or with the help of a real estate agent. Unlike a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for. Our fees are derived from our efforts to perform the appraisal report and not a percentage of the sales price.

We analyze the difference in value items like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. Seeking a professional appraisal is a reliable 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 - because we're experts in knowing how long properties stay on the market.