Reasons to hire an appraiser

Each year, thousands of people in Florida purchase, sell or refinance their home. Most of these transactions include a simple line item for an appraisal. Practically all lenders still need a local expert because the stakes are very high, even though there are a growing number of automated home valuation systems that might appear to be more cost-effective than an appraisal. But is securing a mortgage the only reason you should get an appraisal? Are there additional times when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional could be beneficial? You bet.

When you're planning on any transaction where the likely sales price of your real estate is of importance, contact Veritas Appraisals. Just click here

Challenge your tax assessment in Okaloosa County

If you reside in an area where property values have declined, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. An appraisal from Veritas Appraisals is your best evidence when building your case. We're qualified to assist you in appealing your tax assessment.

Let Veritas Appraisals help you lower your mortgage payment

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an added insurance policy that nearly all lenders ask home owners to buy when the amount being loaned to the home buyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the home. Seeing that added payment is usually folded into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. This is damaging because PMI is no longer required when the remainder of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - falls below the 80% mark. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was implemented by the United States Congress requiring lenders to dismiss the PMI installments when the balance is paid down to 78% of the original value.

If you'd like to eliminate PMI, Veritas Appraisals can give you a statement regarding the value of your home. The cost of the appraisal can generally be offset in little time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Settling a divorce with less stress with an appraisal from Veritas Appraisals

A divorce is a particularly daunting experience for the parties involved, and it is often more complicated by the difficult decision of who keeps the property. So both parties are entirely aware of the true market value of their house, it's a good idea to get an appraisal from Veritas Appraisals, regardless of the circumstances.

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

Accurate and fair estate liquidation

The loss of a loved one is a painful time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often requires an appraisal to establish Market Value for the residential property involved. We ensure the utmost degree of discretion, as we're bound with confidentiality by the ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).

Unlike wealthy individuals, most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to manage these affairs. 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 vital importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've received an honest deal.

Let Veritas Appraisals help you with relocating to or from Okaloosa County

We are familiar with the headaches associated with an employee relocation. That's why we take great care in organizing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our thorough process, we encourage employees that are moving to provide input on the positive aspects of their property, as well as information regarding any recent sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered.

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

A professional appraisal can help you make a better educated decision regarding your selling price, whether you decide to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent. Separate from a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for. Our fees depend on our efforts to finish the appraisal report and not a percentage of the sales price.

We examine the difference in value things like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. And we're experts in knowing how long homes stay on the market. So, obtaining a professional appraisal is a reliable way to decide 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.