Why you should get an appraisal from Wheeler & Associates

To many, an appraisal just looks like another fee on the settlement sheet for a home purchase or refinance. Most 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 may appear to be cheaper than an appraisal. But is securing a mortgage the only reason you should get an appraisal? Are there additional instances when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional might be helpful? Of course there are.

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Challenge your tax assessment in Travis County

It'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 determined by a previous assessment of your house, so if values are less than what they used to be in your neighborhood, you can challenge your assessment and save money. An appraisal from Wheeler & Associates is your best evidence when building your case. At Wheeler & Associates,we can assist you in appealing your tax assessment.

Let Wheeler & Associates help you lower your mortgage payment

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an additional insurance policy that almost all lenders ask homeowners to purchase when the amount being loaned to the buyer 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 promptly forgotten. This is damaging because PMI is unnecessary when the remaining balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - dips 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 payments on most mortgages when the balance is paid down to 78% of the original value.

If you'd like to do away with PMI, Wheeler & Associates will give you a statement regarding the value of your home. The expense of the appraisal can often be recovered in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

An appraisal from Wheeler & Associates will help you settle a divorce with less stress

A divorce can be a very traumatic event for both parties, and it is often further complicated by the troublesome decision of who keeps the property. So both parties are completely aware of the true market value of their property, it's a good idea to order an appraisal from Wheeler & Associates, regardless of the circumstances.

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

Fair and accurate estate liquidation with Wheeler & AssociatesSettling an estate

Losing a loved one is a painful 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 highest degree of discretion.

Most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to manage these issues, unlike wealthy individuals. And seeing that a home or other property often makes up an uneven share of the total estate value, understanding the correct value of the real estate at hand is of essential importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've gotten an honest deal.

Let Wheeler & Associates assist you in relocating to or from Travis County

Moving due to a job change is a stressful event, and we understand. That being said, we take great care in setting up a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our detailed process, we encourage employees that are moving to provide input on the positive attributes of their property, along with information regarding any recent sales or listings in their area that they want considered.

Sell your home quickly at the right price

Whether you choose to sell your home on your own or with the help of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal will help you make a more informed decision regarding your selling price. An appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for, which is different than the interest of real estate agents. Our fees are derived from our efforts to perform the appraisal report and not a percentage of the sales price.

On a daily basis, we determine the difference in value things like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. And we're experts in knowing how long properties stay on the market. So, getting a professional appraisal is a reliable 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 too long, costing you time and money.