Let Certified Residential Appraisal, Inc. handle your appraisal needsThousands of people in Illinois purchase, sell or refinance their home every month. Most of these transactions consist of a simple line item for an appraisal. And even though there are an increasing number of automated home valuation processes that may seem less expensive than an appraisal, practically all lenders still want a local expert because the stakes are incredibly high. You might assume that securing a mortgage is the only reason you should get an appraisal, but there are more instances when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional might come in handy. ![]() Contest your tax assessment in Cook CountyIt's quite possible you're paying too much in property taxes if you reside in an area where property values have declined. Ad Valorem taxes are based upon a previous assessment of your house, so if prices have declined in your area, you can challenge your assessment and save money. When building your case, an appraisal from us is your best evidence. We're qualified to assist you in appealing your tax assessment. PMI removal to lower a mortgage paymentWhen the amount being loaned to the home owneris more than 80% of the actual value of the home, many lenders ask homebuyers to purchase this extra insurance policy. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. This added payment is often folded into the monthly mortgage payment and is quickly forgotten. PMI is unnecessary when the remainder of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - dips below the 80% mark, making this very unfortunate. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was passed by the United States Congress that requires lenders to eliminate the PMI installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. If you'd like to get rid of PMI, Certified Residential Appraisal, Inc. will provide you with a statement regarding the value of your home. The price you paid for the home valuation can usually be regained in little time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Order an appraisal from Certified Residential Appraisal, Inc. Order todayGet a fair valuation on a home take make a divorce settlement less stressfulA divorce is often complicated by the strenuous decision of who keeps the home, and it can be a very horrible event for both parties. It's a good idea to get an appraisal from Certified Residential Appraisal, Inc. so both parties are entirely aware of the true market value of their property, regardless of the situation. If the parties wish to sell the home, they'll have a clearer picture of what price to set. And if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've gotten a fair assessment. Fair and accurate estate liquidationThe loss of a loved one is a hard time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often requires an appraisal to establish Fair Market Value for the real estate involved. We guarantee the maximum 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 manage these issues, unlike wealthier individuals. A home or other property often makes up an uneven share of the total estate value, so knowing the true value of the real estate at hand is of essential importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've gotten a fair deal. Relocate to or from Cook County for workEmployee relocation is a stressful event, and we understand. We take great care in setting up a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our detailed inspection, we encourage relocating employees to provide feedback on the positive attributes of their property, as well as information regarding any recent sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered. Close on your home promptly — for an accurate priceWhether you want to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal can help you make a better educated decision regarding your asking price. An appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for, apart from real estate agents. Our fees aren't a percentage of the sales price, but rather they depend on our efforts to complete the appraisal report. We analyze 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 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 are one the market. ![]() |
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