Reasons to order an appraisalTo many, an appraisal is simply one more thing on the settlement sheet for a mortgage or refinance. Even though there are a multiplying number of automated home valuation methods that may appear to be more cost-effective than an appraisal, practically all lenders still call for a local expert because the stakes are very high. Is getting a mortgage the only basis for getting an appraisal? Are there other situations when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional could be beneficial? You bet there are. ![]() Dispute your tax assessment in Cook CountyIt's possible you're paying too much in property taxes if you reside in an area where property values have declined. Property 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. An appraisal from Mannion Appraisals is your best evidence when building your case. We're capable of assisting you in disputing your tax assessment. PMI removal to lower your mortgage paymentPrivate Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an added insurance plan that most lenders ask home buyers to buy when the amount being loaned to the homeowner is more than 80% of the actual value of the home. More often than not, this extra payment is bundled into the monthly mortgage payment and is soon forgotten. This is bad because PMI isn't required when the remaining balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - decreases below the 80% level. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was implemented by the United States Congress 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 do away with PMI, Mannion Appraisals can produce 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. Get your appraisal from Mannion Appraisals Order todayDivorce settlement with fewer hang-upsA divorce is often complicated by the troublesome decision of who gets the property, and it can be a particularly daunting experience for both parties. It's a good idea to get an appraisal from Mannion Appraisals so both parties are entirely aware of the true market value of their home, regardless of the situation. The parties will have a clearer picture of what price to set, if they wish 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 entails an appraisal to establish Fair Market Value for the residential property 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). Most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to take care of these issues, unlike many wealthy individuals. A home or other property often makes up an uneven share of the total estate value, so knowing the true worth 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 Cook County through an employee relocation programEmployee relocation is a stressful event, and we understand. That being said, we take great care in establishing an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide remarks on the positive attributes of their property, as well as information about any new sales or listings in their area that they want considered during our intensive inspection. Close on your home quickly — for an accurate priceA professional appraisal can help you make a better educated decision when determining your asking price, whether you want to sell your home on your own or with the help of a real estate agent. Unlike a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for. Our fees aren't a percentage of the sales price, but rather they are calculated on our efforts to complete the appraisal report. 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 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 houses stay on the market. ![]() |