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Reasons to hire an appraiser

Thousands of people in Missouri purchase, sell or refinance their home each month. Many of these transactions have a simple line item for an appraisal. Nearly all lenders still call for a local expert because the stakes are so high, even though there are a budding number of automated home valuation methods that might appear to be more economical than an appraisal. You might believe that obtaining a mortgage is the only reason to acquire an appraisal, but there are other instances when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional might be helpful.

Let The August Group Inc. assist you in lowering your mortgage payment

Challenge your tax assessment in Saint Louis County

It's probable you're paying too much in property taxes if you live in an area where property values have declined. Property taxes are determined by a past assessment of your real estate, so if prices have gone down in your neighborhood, you can appeal your assessment and save money. An appraisal from The August Group Inc. is your best evidence when building your case. We're equipped to assist you in challenging your tax assessment.

PMI removal to lower your mortgage payment

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an added insurance plan that almost all lenders ask home owners to purchase when the amount being loaned to the home owner is more than 80% of the actual value of the property. This added payment is often folded into the monthly mortgage payment and is soon forgotten. This is unfortunate 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 Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was passed by the United States Congress that requires lenders to remove the PMI installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met.

If you'd like to get rid of PMI, The August Group Inc. can give you a statement regarding the value of your home. The expense of the appraisal can generally be recovered in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

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Get a clear valuation on a home take make a divorce settlement less stressful

A divorce can be an especially traumatic event for both parties, and it is often further complicated by the troublesome decision of who maintains the home. It's a good idea to order an appraisal from The August Group Inc. so both parties are completely aware of the true market value of their property, regardless of the situation.

The parties will have a better idea of what price to set, if they want to sell the home. And if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've gotten a fair evaluation.

Ascertain a fair and accurate valuation for estate liquidation

The death 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 Fair Market Value for the residential property involved. The ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) binds us with confidentiality, guaranteeing the utmost degree of discretion.

Unlike wealthier individuals, most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to handle these affairs. And seeing that a home or other property often makes up an uneven share of the total estate value, understanding the true value of the real estate at hand is of significant importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've received an honest deal.

Relocate to or from Saint Louis County for work

We know the headaches involved with an employee relocation. That being said, we take great care in establishing an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our intensive inspection, we recommend relocating employees to provide feedback on the positive aspects of their property, along with information regarding any current sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered.

Close on your home quickly — at an accurate price

A professional appraisal will help you make a more informed decision when determining your selling price, whether you decide to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent. An appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for, unlike real estate agents. Our fees are based on our efforts to complete the appraisal report and and aren't related to the sales price.

On a daily basis, we determine the difference in value things like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. Seeking a professional appraisal is a trusted 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, because we're experts in knowing how long homes stay on the market.

Let The August Group Inc. help you sell your home quickly at the right price