Let JLF Appraisals take care of your appraisal needs

To many, an appraisal just looks like one more thing in the long list of items for a mortgage or refinance. Most lenders still call for a local expert because the stakes are very high, even though there are a developing number of automated home valuation processes that may appear to be more practical than an appraisal. Is securing a mortgage the only basis for getting an appraisal? Are there other cases when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional could be helpful? You bet there are.

Let JLF Appraisals assist you in lowering your mortgage payment

Contest your tax assessment

If you are in an area where the property value has declined, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. An appraisal from JLF Appraisals is your best evidence when building your case. We're equipped to assist you in appealing your tax assessment.

PMI removal to reduce a mortgage payment

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is a supplemental insurance plan that most lenders ask homeowners to purchase when the amount being loaned to the buyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the real estate. More often than not, this extra payment is bundled into the monthly mortgage payment and is promptly forgotten. This is unfavorable because PMI isn't necessary when the remainder of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - falls below the 80% mark. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was implemented by the United States Congress requiring lenders to do away with the PMI payments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met.

JLF Appraisals can give you a statement regarding the value of your home, and the cost of the home valuation can usually be regained in a short amount of time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

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Settle a divorce with less stress

A divorce can be a particularly daunting ordeal for both parties, and it is often more complicated by the hard decision of who keeps the property. Regardless of the circumstances, it's a good idea to get an appraisal from JLF Appraisals so both parties are entirely aware of the true market value of their property.

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

Ascertain a fair and accurate valuation for estate liquidation

The loss of a loved one is a difficult 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. 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 manage these matters, unlike wealthy individuals. A home or other property often makes up an uneven share of the total estate value, so understanding the true value of the real estate at hand is of significant importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've received a fair deal.

Move to or from Fresno County through an employee relocation program

Employee relocation is a stressful event, and we understand. That's why we take great care in organizing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide input on the positive features of their property, along with information regarding any current sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered during our intensive inspection.

Sell your home promptly — for the right price

Whether 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 more informed decision regarding your asking price. Apart from a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for. Our fees depend on our efforts to complete the appraisal report and and aren't related to the sales price.

On a daily basis, we examine the difference in value things like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. And we're experts in knowing how long propertiesare on the market. So, seeking 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.

Let JLF Appraisals help you sell your home quickly at the right price