Why obtain an appraisal from Alpha W Appraisal Services?

To a lot of people, an appraisal is simply one more thing on the settlement sheet for a mortgage or refinance. Most lenders still want a local expert because the stakes are very high, even though there are a developing number of automated home valuation systems that may appear more economical than an appraisal. You might assume that obtaining a mortgage is the only reason to get an appraisal, but there are additional instances when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional could be helpful.


	For real estate appraisals in Chicago and Cook County, it's easiest when your order online from Alpha W Appraisal Services, just click here.

Challenge your tax assessment in Cook County

It's quite possible you're paying too much in property taxes if you live in an area where property values have declined. Ad Valorem taxes are determined by 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. When building your case, an appraisal from Alpha W Appraisal Services is your best evidence. We're qualified to assist you in challenging your tax assessment.

Removing PMI will lower your mortgage payment

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is a supplemental insurance plan that most lenders ask homeowners to buy when the amount being loaned to the buyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the real estate. Seeing that extra payment is usually folded into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. This is bad because PMI is no longer required when the remaining balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - falls below the 80% level. In fact, the United States Congress invoked 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 get rid of PMI, Alpha W Appraisal Services will give you a statement regarding the value of your home. The cost of the home valuation can usually be recovered in a short amount of time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Settling a divorce with less stress

A divorce can be an especially traumatic ordeal for both parties, and it is often more complicated by the troublesome decision of who gets the home. So both parties are completely aware of the true market value of their property, it's a good idea to order an appraisal from Alpha W Appraisal Services, regardless of the situation.

The parties will have a better idea of what price to set, if they want 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.

Fair and accurate estate liquidation

Losing a loved one is a difficult time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often entails an appraisal to establish Market Value for the residential property involved. The ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) binds us with confidentiality, ensuring the fullest degree of discretion.

Most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to handle these affairs, unlike many wealthy individuals. And seeing that a home or other property often makes up a disproportionate share of the total estate value, knowing the absolute value of the real estate at hand is of essential importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've gotten a fair deal.

Let Alpha W Appraisal Services help you with relocating to or from Cook County

We are familiar with the headaches involved with an employee relocation. That being said, we take great care in organizing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our detailed process, we encourage employees that are moving to provide feedback on the positive features of their property, along with information regarding any current sales or listings in their neighborhood 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 regarding your selling price, whether you decide to sell your home on your own or with the help of a real estate agent. An appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for, which is different than the interest of real estate agents. The price we charge isn't related to the sales price, but rather they are calculated on our efforts to finish the appraisal.

On a daily basis, we determine the difference in value things like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. Obtaining a professional appraisal is a trusted way to decide 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 an unnecessarily long time - because we're experts in knowing how long houses are one the market.