Reasons to get an appraisal

To many, an appraisal is simply a line item on the break-sheet for a mortgage or refinance. Nearly all lenders still call in a local expert because the stakes are so high, even though there are a budding number of automated home valuation systems that may appear to be more prudent than an appraisal. But is obtaining a mortgage the only reason you should get an appraisal? Are there also situations when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional might be helpful? You bet.

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Let W.E. Kintner & Assoc., Inc. help you challenge your tax assessment in Island County

If you live in an area where property values have declined, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. An appraisal from W.E. Kintner & Assoc., Inc. is your best evidence when building your case. We're capable of assisting you in appealing your tax assessment.

How can you eliminate PMI to lower your mortgage payment?

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an extra insurance policy that most lenders ask homebuyers to purchase when the amount being loaned to the buyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the home. This extra payment is often folded into the monthly mortgage payment and is quickly forgotten. PMI isn't required when the leftover balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - goes below the 80% level, making this very unfavorable. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was passed by the United States Congress requiring lenders to do away with the PMI payments on most mortgages when the balance is paid down to 78% of the original value.

W.E. Kintner & Assoc., Inc. will provide you with a statement regarding the value of your home, and the cost of the appraisal can often be regained in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Settling a divorce with less stress with an appraisal from W.E. Kintner & Assoc., Inc.

A divorce can be an especially traumatic event for both parties, and it is often more complicated by the difficult decision of who gets the house. Regardless of the circumstances, it's wise to get an appraisal from W.E. Kintner & Assoc., Inc. so both parties are fully aware of the true market value of their house.

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

Trustworthy estate liquidation

The loss of a loved one is a difficult time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often calls for 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, guaranteeing the highest degree of discretion.

Most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to take care of these affairs, unlike many wealthy individuals. A home or other property often makes up a disproportionate share of the total estate value, so 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 Island County

Employee 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 thorough process, we recommend employees that are moving to provide feedback on the positive attributes of their property, as well as information regarding any new sales or listings in their area that they want considered.

Let W.E. Kintner & Assoc., Inc. help you sell 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 regarding your selling price. Separate from a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for. The price we charge isn't a percentage of the sales price, but rather they are calculated on our efforts to finish the appraisal.

We analyze the difference in value items like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. Obtaining a professional appraisal is a trusted 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 homes stay on the market.