Let Steven Wingard handle your appraisal

Each year, thousands of people in Alabama buy, sell or refinance their home. Many of these transactions consist of a simple line item for an appraisal. And even though there are a budding number of automated home valuation systems that may appear to be more practical than an appraisal, practically all lenders still need a local expert because the stakes are so high. You might assume that securing a mortgage is the only reason to acquire an appraisal, but there are additional cases when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional could be helpful.

Order appraisals online from Steven Wingard by simply clicking here.

Appeal your tax assessment in Autauga County

It's probable you're paying too much in property taxes if you live in an area where property values have depreciated. Ad Valorem taxes are based upon a past assessment of your house, so if values have gone down in your neighborhood, you can appeal your assessment and save money. When building your case, an appraisal from Steven Wingard is your best evidence. We're qualified to assist you in challenging your tax assessment.

Getting rid of your PMI will lower your mortgage payment

When the amount being loaned to the home buyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the property, most lenders ask homebuyers to buy an supplemental insurance policy. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. Since the added payment is usually bundled into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. This is unfortunate because PMI is no longer required when the remaining balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - goes below the 80% level. In fact, the United States Congress implemented a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) that requires lenders to eliminate the PMI installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met.

If you'd like to eliminate PMI, Steven Wingard will produce a statement regarding the value of your home. The cost of the home valuation can usually be offset in little time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Settling a divorce with less stress

A divorce is often complicated by the hard decision of who maintains the property, and it can be a very traumatic experience for both parties. Regardless of the circumstances, it's wise to order an appraisal from Steven Wingard so both parties are completely aware of the true market value of their property.

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

Fair and accurate estate liquidation

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

Unlike wealthier individuals, most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to take care of these affairs. And since 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 significant importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've received a fair deal.

Relocating to or from Autauga County

Moving due to a job change is a stressful event, and we understand. That being said, we take great care in establishing an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our thorough process, we suggest employees that are moving to provide feedback on the positive characteristics of their property, as well as information about any new sales or listings in their area that they want considered.

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

A professional appraisal will help you make a better educated decision when determining your asking price, whether you want to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent. An appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for, unlike real estate agents. The price we charge isn't a percentage of the sales price, but rather they are calculated on our efforts to complete the appraisal.

We determine the difference in value things like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. And we're experts in knowing how long properties are on the market. So, getting a professional appraisal is a reliable way to determine 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 too long, costing you time and money.