Reasons to hire an appraiserTo a lot of people, an appraisal is simply a line item in the long list of items for a mortgage or refinance. The majority of lenders still call in 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 economical than an appraisal. You might think that getting a mortgage is the only reason you should get an appraisal, but there are additional cases when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional might be helpful. 
Contest your tax assessment in Ouachita CountyIf you reside in an area where the property value has depreciated, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. When building your case, an appraisal from us is your best evidence. We're qualified to assist you in appealing your tax assessment. Get rid of PMI to lower your mortgage paymentPrivate Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an additional insurance plan that most lenders ask homeowners to buy when the amount being loaned to the home buyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the home. More often than not, this added payment is lumped into the monthly mortgage payment and is soon forgotten. This is unfavorable because PMI isn't necessary when the remainder of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - dips below the 80% mark. In fact, the United States Congress passed a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) that requires lenders to do away with the PMI payments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. If you'd like to do away with PMI, J. GRAHAM GAULT REAL ESTATE APPRAISER & CONSULTANT can produce a statement regarding the value of your home. The cost of the home valuation can often be offset in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Order your appraisal from J. GRAHAM GAULT REAL ESTATE APPRAISER & CONSULTANT today Order todayDivorce settlement with less stressA divorce can be a particularly daunting experience for both parties, and it is often even more complicated by the hard decision of who gets the house. It's a good idea to get an appraisal from J. GRAHAM GAULT REAL ESTATE APPRAISER & CONSULTANT so both parties are entirely aware of the true market value of their property, regardless of the situation. If the parties need to sell the home, they'll have a a good idea of what price to set. And on the flip side, if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've gotten a fair evaluation. Determine a fair and accurate valuation for estate liquidationThe death of a loved one is a painful 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, guaranteeing the maximum degree of discretion. Unlike wealthier individuals, most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to handle these matters. And since a home or other property often makes up an uneven share of the total estate value, understanding the true value of the real estate at hand is of vital importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've received a fair deal. Relocate to or from Ouachita County for workWe know the stress 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 recent sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered during our intensive inspection. Close on your home promptly — for an accurate priceWhether you decide 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. An appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for, apart from real estate agents. Our fees aren't related to the sales price, but rather they are based on our efforts to finish the appraisal report. We analyze the difference in value things like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. And we're experts in knowing how long housesstay on the market. So, getting 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. 
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