Why you should order an appraisal from Kent & Associates Appraisal

Thousands of people in Washington buy, sell or refinance their home every month. A lot of these transactions consist of a simple line item for an appraisal. Nearly all lenders still need a local expert because the stakes are very high, even though there are a developing number of automated home valuation systems that might appear less expensive than an appraisal. You might think that securing a mortgage is the only basis for getting an appraisal, but there are additional times when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional could be beneficial.


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Let Kent & Associates Appraisal help you appeal your tax assessment in Snohomish County

It's likely you're paying too much in property taxes if you live in an area where property values have declined. Property taxes are based upon a previous assessment of your real estate, 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 Kent & Associates Appraisal is your best evidence when building your case. We're qualified to assist you in disputing your tax assessment.

Kent & Associates Appraisal can help you eliminate PMI to lower your mortgage payment

When the amount being loaned to the buyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the property, nearly all lenders ask home owners to buy an additional insurance plan. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. More often than not, this extra payment is bundled into the monthly mortgage payment and is soon forgotten. PMI isn't required when the remaining balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - decreases below the 80% level, making this very unfortunate. In fact, the United States Congress implemented a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) that requires lenders to do away with the PMI installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met.

If you'd like to eliminate PMI, Kent & Associates Appraisal can give you a statement regarding the value of your home. The cost of the appraisal can usually 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 Kent & Associates Appraisal

A divorce can be a particularly daunting experience for both parties, and it is often even more complicated by the strenuous decision of who gets the house. So both parties are fully aware of the true market value of their home, it's a good idea to get an appraisal from Kent & Associates Appraisal, regardless of the circumstances.

The parties will have a a good 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 assessment.

Settling an estate with peace of mind

The loss of a loved one is a painful time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often entails an appraisal to establish 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 don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to take care of these matters, unlike many wealthy individuals. A home or other property often makes up an unequal share of the total estate value, so understanding the true value of the real estate at hand is of significant importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've gotten an honest deal.

Let Kent & Associates Appraisal assist you in relocating to or from Snohomish County

We understand the stress involved with an employee relocation. That being said, we take great care in organizing an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our detailed process, we suggest relocating employees to provide input on the positive aspects of their property, along with information regarding any current sales or listings in their area that they want considered.

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

Whether you decide to sell your home on your own or with the help of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal will help you make a better educated decision regarding your selling price. Separate from a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for. Our fees depend on our efforts to perform 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 additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. Obtaining a professional appraisal is a reliable 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 are one the market.