Reasons to get an appraisal from Filson's Real Estate Appraisal Services, Inc.

Thousands of people in Georgia purchase, sell or refinance their home each year. Most of these transactions consist of a simple line item for an appraisal. And even though there are an increasing number of automated home valuation methods that might appear more cost-effective than an appraisal, nearly all lenders still call for a local expert because the stakes are very high. Is obtaining a mortgage the only reason to acquire an appraisal? Are there more instances when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional could be beneficial? Absolutely.

Let Filson's Real Estate Appraisal Services, Inc. assist you in lowering your mortgage payment

Challenge your tax assessment

If you live in an area where property values have declined, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. An appraisal from Filson's Real Estate Appraisal Services, Inc. is your best evidence when building your case. We can assist you in appealing your tax assessment.

Eliminating PMI for mortgage payments

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an extra insurance policy that most lenders ask homeowners to purchase when the amount being loaned to the homebuyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the property. This additional payment is often folded into the monthly mortgage payment and is soon forgotten. This is bad because PMI isn't necessary when the leftover balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - falls below the 80% level. In fact, the United States Congress invoked 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.

Filson's Real Estate Appraisal Services, Inc. will give you a statement regarding the value of your home, and the cost of the home valuation can often be recovered in a short amount of time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

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Divorce settlement with fewer hang-ups

A divorce can be a very daunting experience for both parties, and it is often even more complicated by the troublesome decision of who keeps the home. Regardless of the circumstances, it's a good idea to get an appraisal from Filson's Real Estate Appraisal Services, Inc. so both parties are entirely aware of the true market value of their home.

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 received a fair evaluation.

Fair and accurate estate liquidation

The 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. We ensure the fullest degree of discretion, as we're bound with confidentiality by the ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).

Unlike wealthy 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 a disproportionate share of the total estate value, knowing the true value of the real estate at hand is of significant importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've received a fair deal.

Relocate to or from Fulton County for work

We are familiar with the stress involved 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 attributes of their property, along with information regarding any new sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered during our intensive inspection.

Sell your home promptly — at the right price

Whether 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 regarding your asking price. An appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for, unlike real estate agents. Our fees are based on our efforts to complete the appraisal report and and aren't related to the sales price.

On a daily basis, we examine the difference in value items like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. Obtaining a professional appraisal is a trusted 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, because we're experts in knowing how long houses stay on the market.

Let Filson's Real Estate Appraisal Services, Inc. help you sell your home quickly at the right price