Reasons to order an appraisal

To a lot of us, an appraisal just looks like a line item in the long list of items for a home sale or refinance. Nearly all lenders still need a local expert because the stakes are incredibly high, even though there are an increasing number of automated home valuation methods that might appear to be more practical than an appraisal. You might think that obtaining a mortgage is the only reason to get an appraisal, but there are other times when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional could be helpful.


	When you're planning on any transaction where the value of your house is of importance, just contact Citywide Appraisals. Just click here

Let Citywide Appraisals help you appeal your tax assessment in Douglas County

It's possible you're paying too much in property taxes if you reside in an area where property values have depreciated. Ad Valorem taxes are determined by a previous assessment of your home, so if values have gone down in your neighborhood, you can challenge your assessment and save money. When building your case, an appraisal from Citywide Appraisals is your best evidence. At Citywide Appraisals, we're capable of assisting you in challenging your tax assessment.

Let Citywide Appraisals help you lower your mortgage payment

When the amount being loaned to the homeowner is more than 80% of the actual value of the home, almost all lenders ask buyers to take out an added insurance policy. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. This additional payment is often bundled into the monthly mortgage payment and is soon forgotten. PMI is unnecessary when the remaining balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - decreases below the 80% level, making this very unfavorable. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was implemented by the United States Congress that requires lenders to do away with the PMI installments when the balance is paid down to 78% of the original value.

If you'd like to eliminate PMI, Citywide Appraisals will give you a statement regarding the value of your home. The expense of the home valuation can often be offset in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Settling a divorce with less stress

A divorce can be an especially traumatic experience for both parties, and it is often further complicated by the burdensome decision of who keeps the house. Regardless of the situation, it's wise to order an appraisal from Citywide Appraisals so both parties are completely aware of the true market value of their home.

If the parties need to sell the home, they'll have a clearer picture of what price to set. And on the flip side, if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've received a fair assessment.

Fair and accurate estate liquidation with Citywide AppraisalsSettling an estate

The death 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 Market Value for the residential property involved. We ensure the highest degree of discretion, as we're bound with confidentiality by the ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).

Unlike wealthier individuals, most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to handle these affairs. A home or other property often makes up an unequal share of the total estate value, so understanding the true value of the real estate at hand is of vital importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've gotten an honest deal.

Citywide Appraisals can help you with relocating to or from Douglas County

We are familiar with the headaches associated with an employee relocation. That being said, we take great care in setting up a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our intensive process, we suggest relocating employees to provide input on the positive aspects of their property, as well as information regarding any current sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered.

Sell your home quickly at the right price

Whether you want to sell your home on your own or use the assistance 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 price the house sells for, unlike real estate agents. Our fees aren't related to the sales price, but rather they depend on our efforts to complete the appraisal.

We analyze the difference in value items like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. 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 are one the market.