Reasons someone would need Brooks Appraisal Services

Each year, thousands of people in Indiana purchase, sell or refinance their home. A lot of these transactions consist of a simple line item for an appraisal. Even though there are a multiplying number of automated home valuation systems that may seem less expensive than an appraisal, most lenders still call for a local expert because the stakes are very high. But is getting a mortgage the only basis for getting an appraisal? Are there other cases when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional could come in handy? Absolutely.

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Let Brooks Appraisal Services help you challenge your tax assessment in Madison County

If you live in an area where property values have declined, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. When building your case, an appraisal from Brooks Appraisal Services is your best evidence. At Brooks Appraisal Services, we're qualified to assist you in disputing your tax assessment.

Getting rid of your PMI will lower your mortgage payment

When the amount being loaned to the home owner is more than 80% of the actual value of the property, many lenders ask home owners to take out an extra insurance plan. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. Seeing that added payment is usually lumped into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often 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% level. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was implemented by the United States Congress that requires lenders to remove the PMI payments on most mortgages when the balance is paid down to 78% of the original value.

Brooks Appraisal Services can provide you with a statement regarding the value of your home, and the expense of the appraisal can often be offset in a short amount of time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Settling a divorce with less stress

A divorce is a very daunting event for the parties involved, and it is often even more complicated by the strenuous decision of who gets the house. It's a good idea to order an appraisal from Brooks Appraisal Services so both parties are fully aware of the true market value of their home, regardless of the situation.

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

Settling an estate with peace of mind

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

Unlike many wealthy individuals, most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to handle these issues. And seeing that a home or other property often makes up an uneven share of the total estate value, knowing the true value of the real estate at hand is of vital importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've received an honest deal.

Let Brooks Appraisal Services assist you in relocating to or from Madison County

We know the stress associated with an employee relocation. That's why we take great care in organizing an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide input on the positive features of their property, along with information about any recent sales or listings in their area that they want considered during our detailed process.

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

Whether you choose to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal can help you make a more informed 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 are calculated on our efforts to complete the appraisal report and not a percentage of the sales price.

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 homes are on the market. So, obtaining a professional appraisal is a trusted way to decide 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 too long, costing you hassle and money.