Why would you need an appraisal from Palmetto Appraisals of the Low Country?

Thousands of people in South Carolina purchase, sell or refinance their home each month. A lot of these transactions have a simple line item for an appraisal. While there are a developing number of automated home valuation systems that may appear to be more cost-effective than an appraisal, practically all lenders still call for a local expert because the stakes are so high. But is securing a mortgage the only reason you should get an appraisal? Are there more times when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional could come in handy? You bet.

When you're planning on any transaction where the amount of your property is of importance, contact Palmetto Appraisals of the Low Country. Just click here

Challenge your tax assessment in Beaufort County

It's likely you're paying too much in property taxes if you reside in an area where property values have declined. Ad Valorem taxes are based upon a past assessment of your house, so if values are less than what they used to be in your neighborhood, you can appeal your assessment and save money. When building your case, an appraisal from Palmetto Appraisals of the Low Country is your best evidence. At Palmetto Appraisals of the Low Country,we can assist you in appealing your tax assessment.

Palmetto Appraisals of the Low Country 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, most lenders ask home owners to purchase an supplemental insurance plan. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. This added payment is often bundled into the monthly mortgage payment and is promptly forgotten. This is damaging because PMI is no longer required 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 passed by the United States Congress that requires lenders to do away with the PMI payments when the balance is paid down to 78% of the original value.

If you'd like to eliminate PMI, Palmetto Appraisals of the Low Country can provide you with a statement regarding the value of your home. The expense of the home valuation can usually be recovered in little time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Settling a divorce with less stress with an appraisal from Palmetto Appraisals of the Low Country

A divorce is often complicated by the challenging decision of who gets the house, and it can be a very heartbreaking occurrence for both parties. It's a good idea to get an appraisal from Palmetto Appraisals of the Low Country so both parties are entirely aware of the true market value of their house, regardless of the circumstances.

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

Settling an estate with peace of mind

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 many wealthy individuals, most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to handle these matters. A home or other property often makes up a disproportionate share of the total estate value, so knowing the true worth of the real estate at hand is of essential importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've received a fair deal.

Relocating to or from Beaufort County

Moving due to a job change can be a more than just an inconvenience, and we understand. That's why we take great care in setting up a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide remarks on the positive attributes of their property, along with information about any new sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered during our intensive process.

Selling your home quickly at the right price

Whether you choose 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 when determining your selling 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.

We examine the difference in value items like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. Obtaining a professional appraisal is a reliable way to decide what improvements will add value and what an applicable 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.