Reasons to get an appraisalTo many, an appraisal is simply a line item on the break-sheet for a mortgage or refinance. Most lenders still call in a local expert because the stakes are so high, even though there are a budding number of automated home valuation processes that might appear less expensive than an appraisal. Is obtaining a mortgage the only reason to get an appraisal? Are there additional cases when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional could be helpful? You bet there are. 
Contest your tax assessmentIt's quite possible you're paying too much in property taxes if you reside in an area where property values have declined. Property taxes are determined by a previous assessment of your real estate, so if values have gone down in your neighborhood, you can appeal your assessment and save money. When building your case, an appraisal from us is your best evidence. At Radius Appraisal, LLC, we're capable of assisting you in disputing your tax assessment. Remove PMI to lower your mortgage paymentWhen the amount being loaned to the home buyeris more than 80% of the actual value of the home, almost all lenders ask buyers to purchase this supplemental insurance plan. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. This additional payment is often lumped into the monthly mortgage payment and is quickly forgotten. This is damaging because PMI is unnecessary when the leftover balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - decreases below the 80% level. In fact, the United States Congress passed a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) that requires lenders to remove the PMI payments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. If you'd like to do away with PMI, Radius Appraisal, LLC will provide you with a statement regarding the value of your home. The expense of the home valuation can generally be recovered in little time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Get your appraisal from Radius Appraisal, LLC Order todayDivorce settlement with less stressA divorce can be an especially daunting event for both parties, and it is often more complicated by the strenuous decision of who keeps the home. It's a good idea to get an appraisal from Radius Appraisal, LLC so both parties are fully aware of the true market value of their property, regardless of the situation. 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 assessment. Determine a fair and accurate valuation for estate liquidationLosing a loved one is a hard time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often requires an appraisal to establish Fair Market Value for the real estate involved. The ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) binds us with confidentiality, ensuring the maximum degree of discretion. Most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to handle these issues, unlike wealthier individuals. And since a home or other property often makes up a disproportionate share of the total estate value, knowing the true value of the real estate at hand is of vital importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've gotten a fair deal. Relocate to or from Snohomish County for workWe know the headaches involved with an employee relocation. That being said, we take great care in organizing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our detailed inspection, we encourage relocating employees to provide input on the positive aspects of their property, along with information about any current sales or listings in their area that they want considered. Close on your home promptly — for an accurate priceWhether 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 better educated decision when determining your asking price. Unlike a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for. Our fees aren't a percentage of the sales price, but rather they rest on our efforts to finish the appraisal report. On a daily basis, we analyze the difference in value things like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. Obtaining a professional appraisal is a trusted way to decide 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 are one the market. 
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