Why obtain an appraisal from The Austin Appraisal Company, Inc.?

To a lot of us, an appraisal just looks like another cost on the break-sheet for a mortgage or refinance. Even though there are a budding number of automated home valuation systems that might seem more cost-effective than an appraisal, almost all lenders still call in a local expert because the stakes are so high. But is securing a mortgage the only basis for getting an appraisal? Are there also instances when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional might come in handy? You bet there are.


	If you're planning on any transaction where the value of your property is a factor, you should contact The Austin Appraisal Company, Inc.. Just click here.

Challenge your tax assessment in Charleston County

If you live in an area where the value of property has depreciated, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. An appraisal from The Austin Appraisal Company, Inc. is your best evidence when building your case. We're capable of assisting you in disputing your tax assessment.

How can you do away with PMI to lower your mortgage payment?

When the amount being loaned to the homeowner is more than 80% of the actual value of the property, almost all lenders ask buyers to buy an extra insurance plan. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. Since the extra payment is usually lumped into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. PMI isn't required when the remaining balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - falls below the 80% level, making this very unfavorable. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was approved by the United States Congress requiring lenders to remove the PMI payments when the balance is paid down to 78% of the original value.

The Austin Appraisal Company, Inc. will provide you with a statement regarding the value of your home, and the cost of the appraisal can often be regained in a short amount of time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Divorce settlement with less stress

A divorce is a particularly daunting experience for the parties involved, and it is often more complicated by the challenging decision of who keeps the property. Regardless of the circumstances, it's a good idea to get an appraisal from The Austin Appraisal Company, Inc. so both parties are fully aware of the true market value of their home.

The parties will have a clearer picture of what price to set, if they wish to sell the home. And if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've received a fair evaluation.

Accurate and fair estate liquidation with The Austin Appraisal Company, Inc.Settling an estate

The death of a loved one is a painful time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often calls for an appraisal to establish Market Value for the real estate involved. We guarantee the fullest degree of discretion, as we're bound with confidentiality by the ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).

Most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to manage 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 absolute value of the real estate at hand is of essential importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've received an honest deal.

Let The Austin Appraisal Company, Inc. help you with relocating to or from Charleston County

Moving due to a job change is a stressful event. We know where you're coming from! That's why we take great care in setting up an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our detailed process, we encourage relocating employees to provide input on the positive characteristics of their property, as well as information regarding any recent sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered.

Don't sell out short or let your home stay on the market too long.

Whether you decide to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal will help you make a better educated decision regarding your asking price. With much different interests than 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 depend on our efforts to complete the appraisal.

On a daily basis, we analyze the difference in value items like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. And we're experts in knowing how long properties stay on the market. So, obtaining 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.