Why you should get an appraisal from Shamrock Appraisals, Inc.Thousands of people in Alabama buy, sell or refinance their home every year. A lot of these transactions consist of a simple line item for an appraisal. And while there are a developing number of automated home valuation processes that may appear more prudent than an appraisal, almost all lenders still call in a local expert because the stakes are very high. You might believe that securing a mortgage is the only reason to get an appraisal, but there are other instances when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional might come in handy. ![]() Dispute your tax assessment in Tuscaloosa CountyIf you are in an area where the property value has depreciated, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. An appraisal from Shamrock Appraisals, Inc. is your best evidence when building your case. We're equipped to assist you in challenging your tax assessment. PMI removal to reduce a mortgage paymentPrivate Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an extra insurance policy that almost all lenders ask home buyers to purchase when the amount being loaned to the homeowner is more than 80% of the actual value of the home. Seeing that added payment is usually lumped into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. PMI isn't necessary when the remaining balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - goes below the 80% level, making this very unfavorable. In fact, the United States Congress invoked a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) that requires lenders to remove the PMI payments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. Shamrock Appraisals, Inc. will produce a statement regarding the value of your home, and the price you paid for the appraisal can generally be regained in little time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Get your appraisal from Shamrock Appraisals, Inc. Order onlineDivorce settlement with fewer hang-upsA divorce is often complicated by the burdensome decision of who gets the home, and it can be a very daunting occurrence for both parties. It's a good idea to get an appraisal from Shamrock Appraisals, Inc. so both parties are completely aware of the true market value of their property, regardless of the circumstances. If the parties need 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 received a fair assessment. Fair and accurate estate liquidationLosing a loved one is a painful time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often calls for an appraisal to establish Fair Market Value for the residential property involved. We guarantee the highest degree of discretion, as we're bound with confidentiality by the ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). Most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to manage these affairs, unlike many wealthy individuals. A home or other property often makes up a disproportionate 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 walk away knowing they've gotten an honest deal. Move to or from Tuscaloosa County through an employee relocation programWe understand the stress associated with an employee relocation. That's why we take great care in establishing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide input on the positive attributes of their property, along with information about any recent sales or listings in their area that they want considered during our detailed inspection. Close on your home promptly — for the right priceWhether 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 asking price. Unlike a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for. Our fees aren't related to the sales price, but rather they depend on our efforts to finish the appraisal report. We determine the difference in value items like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. Getting a professional appraisal is a trusted way to determine 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 stay on the market. ![]() |