Why you should order an appraisal from Big Hat Realty & ValuationsTo many, an appraisal just looks like another fee in the long list of items for a mortgage or refinance. And while there are a growing number of automated home valuation systems that may appear to be cheaper than an appraisal, practically all lenders still call for a local expert because the stakes are very high. You might assume that securing a mortgage is the only basis for getting an appraisal, but there are additional times when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional could come in handy. ![]() Dispute your tax assessment in Bell CountyIt's quite possible you're paying too much in property taxes if you live in an area where property values have depreciated. Ad Valorem taxes are determined by a previous assessment of your home, so if prices are less than what they used to be in your area, you can appeal your assessment and save money. When building your case, an appraisal from us is your best evidence. We're equipped to assist you in appealing your tax assessment. Getting rid of your PMI for mortgage paymentsPrivate Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an additional insurance plan that most lenders ask buyers to buy when the amount being loaned to the buyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the real estate. This extra payment is often bundled into the monthly mortgage payment and is promptly forgotten. PMI is no longer required when the leftover balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - falls below the 80% mark, making this very unfortunate. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was invoked by the United States Congress requiring lenders to eliminate the PMI installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. If you'd like to eliminate PMI, Big Hat Realty & Valuations can give you a statement regarding the value of your home. The cost of the home valuation can usually be regained in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Get your appraisal from Big Hat Realty & Valuations Order onlineSettle a divorce with fewer hang-upsA divorce can be a particularly daunting experience for both parties, and it is often further complicated by the strenuous decision of who maintains the home. Regardless of the circumstances, it's a good idea to get an appraisal from Big Hat Realty & Valuations so both parties are completely aware of the true market value of their property. The parties will have a better idea of what price to set, if they wish 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 evaluation. Ascertain an accurate and fair valuation for estate liquidationThe death of a loved one is a hard time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often calls for 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 utmost degree of discretion. Most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to handle these matters, unlike many wealthy individuals. A home or other property often makes up an uneven share of the total estate value, so understanding the true worth of the real estate at hand is of significant importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've received an honest deal. Move to or from Bell County for workWe are aware of the stress associated with an employee relocation. That being said, we take great care in organizing an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our intensive inspection, we suggest relocating employees to provide remarks on the positive aspects of their property, as well as information about any current sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered. Close on your home promptly — at an accurate priceA professional appraisal can help you make a better educated decision regarding your asking price, whether you want to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent. Apart from a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for. Our fees rest on our efforts to complete the appraisal report and not a percentage of the sales price. On a daily basis, we determine the difference in value things like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. Seeking a professional appraisal is a trusted way to determine what improvements will add value and what a suitable 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 houses stay on the market. ![]() |