Why you should hire an appraiserTo many, an appraisal just looks like another fee in the long list of items for a home sale or refinance. Almost all lenders still want a local expert because the stakes are very high, even though there are a developing number of automated home valuation processes that might seem more prudent than an appraisal. Is obtaining a mortgage the only reason you should get an appraisal? Are there also cases when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional could be beneficial? Of course. 
Contest your tax assessmentIt's probable you're paying too much in property taxes if you live in an area where property values have declined. Ad Valorem taxes are based upon a past assessment of your home, so if values are less than what they used to be in your area, you can appeal your assessment and save money. When building your case, an appraisal from us is your best evidence. At Shamrock Appraisals, Inc., we're qualified to assist you in appealing your tax assessment. PMI removal to lower a mortgage paymentPrivate Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is a supplemental insurance policy that most lenders ask home buyers to purchase when the amount being loaned to the buyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the real estate. Oftentimes, this added payment is lumped into the monthly mortgage payment and is promptly forgotten. PMI is unnecessary when the remaining balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - falls below the 80% mark, making this very unfavorable. In fact, the United States Congress implemented a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) that requires lenders to dismiss the PMI installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. Shamrock Appraisals, Inc. will provide you with a statement regarding the value of your home, and the expense of the home valuation can often be offset in little time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Get your appraisal from Shamrock Appraisals, Inc. Order todayDivorce settlement with less stressA divorce can be a particularly daunting experience for both parties, and it is often more complicated by the strenuous decision of who gets the house. So both parties are completely aware of the true market value of their home, it's a good idea to get an appraisal from Shamrock Appraisals, Inc., regardless of the circumstances. The parties will have a good 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 assessment. Determine a fair and accurate valuation for estate liquidationLosing a loved one is a difficult time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often entails an appraisal to establish Fair Market Value for the real estate involved. The ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) binds us with confidentiality, ensuring the utmost degree of discretion. Unlike wealthier individuals, most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to handle these affairs. A home or other property often makes up an uneven share of the total estate value, so understanding the true value of the real estate at hand is of significant importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've received a fair deal. Relocate to or from Tuscaloosa County through an employee relocation programWe are familiar with the stress involved with an employee relocation. That being said, we take great care in establishing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide remarks on the positive aspects of their property, as well as information regarding any new sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered during our intensive inspection. Sell your home quickly — at the right priceWhether you decide 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 related to the sales price, but rather they are based on our efforts to complete the appraisal report. On a daily basis, we analyze the difference in value items like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. And we're experts in knowing how long propertiesare on the market. So, getting a professional appraisal is a trusted way to determine what improvements will add value and what a suitable sales price is for your home so you don't come up short or have your house on the market an unnecessarily long time. 
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