Let Slater Real Estate Services handle your appraisal needsYear after year, thousands of people in Colorado buy, sell or refinance their home. Many of these transactions have a simple line item for an appraisal. And even though there are a growing number of automated home valuation methods that may appear less expensive than an appraisal, nearly all lenders still call in a local expert because the stakes are so high. You might assume that getting a mortgage is the only basis for getting an appraisal, but there are additional situations when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional might be beneficial. ![]() Challenge your tax assessmentIt'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 determined by a previous assessment of your house, so if values are less than what they used to be in your area, you can challenge your assessment and save money. An appraisal from Slater Real Estate Services is your best evidence when building your case. At Slater Real Estate Services, we're qualified to assist you in disputing your tax assessment. PMI removal to lower a mortgage paymentPrivate Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is a supplemental insurance plan that many lenders ask homebuyers to buy when the amount being loaned to the home buyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the property. Seeing that extra payment is usually folded into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. This is unfavorable because PMI isn't required when the leftover balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - goes below the 80% level. In fact, the United States Congress invoked a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) requiring lenders to dismiss the PMI payments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. If you'd like to eliminate PMI, Slater Real Estate Services will give you a statement regarding the value of your home. The expense of the home valuation can generally be offset in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Order an appraisal from Slater Real Estate Services Order todaySettle a divorce with fewer hang-upsA divorce is often complicated by the difficult decision of who gets the home, and it can be a very traumatic ordeal for both parties. Regardless of the circumstances, it's a good idea to order an appraisal from Slater Real Estate Services so both parties are fully aware of the true market value of their home. The parties will have a good idea 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 received a fair evaluation. Accurate and fair estate liquidationThe 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 Fair Market Value for the residential property involved. The ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) binds us with confidentiality, ensuring the maximum degree of discretion. Unlike many wealthy individuals, most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to take care of these affairs. And seeing that a home or other property often makes up an unequal share of the total estate value, understanding the true value of the real estate at hand is of vital importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've gotten an honest deal. Relocate to or from Weld County through an employee relocation programEmployee relocation can be a stressful event, and we understand. That's why we take great care in setting up an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our detailed inspection, we recommend relocating employees to provide remarks on the positive characteristics of their property, along with information about any recent sales or listings in their area that they want considered. Close on your home promptly — for an accurate priceWhether 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 more informed decision regarding your selling price. An appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for, apart from real estate agents. Our fees are based on our efforts to complete the appraisal report and not a percentage of the sales price. We determine the difference in value things like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. Obtaining a professional appraisal is a reliable 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, because we're experts in knowing how long properties are one the market. ![]() |