There are lots of reasons people call on Thaxton Brown

To a lot of us, an appraisal is simply a line item on the break-sheet for a home purchase or refinance. Most lenders still call in a local expert because the stakes are so high, even though there are a multiplying number of automated home valuation methods that might appear more economical than an appraisal. But is getting a mortgage the only reason to get an appraisal? Are there more situations when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional might be beneficial? Of course.

Order appraisals online from Thaxton Brown by simply clicking here.

Let Thaxton Brown help you appeal your tax assessment in Anderson County

It's possible you're paying too much in property taxes if you reside in an area where property values have depreciated. Property taxes are based upon a previous assessment of your home, so if values have gone down in your neighborhood, you can appeal your assessment and save money. When building your case, an appraisal from Thaxton Brown is your best evidence. At Thaxton Brown, we're capable of assisting you in appealing your tax assessment.

Thaxton Brown can help 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 real estate, many lenders ask buyers to purchase an additional insurance plan. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. Seeing that extra payment is usually lumped into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. This is bad because PMI isn't necessary when the remaining balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - dips below the 80% level. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was implemented by the United States Congress that requires lenders to dismiss the PMI installments when the balance is paid down to 78% of the original value.

If you'd like to do away with PMI, Thaxton Brown will give you a statement regarding the value of your home. The expense of the appraisal can often be offset in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Settling a divorce with less stress with an appraisal from Thaxton Brown

A divorce can be an especially daunting ordeal for both parties, and it is often even more complicated by the difficult decision of who gets the home. It's a good idea to get an appraisal from Thaxton Brown so both parties are entirely aware of the true market value of their home, regardless of the situation.

If the parties want to sell the home, they'll have a better idea 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 evaluation.

Settling an estate with peace of mind

Losing a loved one is a painful time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often entails 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 fullest degree of discretion.

Most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to manage these matters, unlike wealthier individuals. A home or other property often makes up an unequal share of the total estate value, so 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.

Relocating to or from Anderson County?

We are familiar with the headaches involved with an employee relocation. That being said, we take great care in organizing an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our intensive process, we recommend relocating employees to provide feedback on the positive attributes of their property, as well as information about any recent sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered.

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

A professional appraisal will help you make a more informed decision regarding your selling price, whether you choose to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent. With much different interests than a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for. Our fees are based on our efforts to finish the appraisal report and not a percentage of the sales price.

On a daily basis, we determine the difference in value items like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. Seeking a professional appraisal is a trusted way to decide 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 homes are one the market.