Reasons to order an appraisal from J. GRAHAM GAULT REAL ESTATE APPRAISER & CONSULTANT

Each year, thousands of people in Louisiana buy, sell or refinance their home. A lot of these transactions consist of a simple line item for an appraisal. Even though there are a multiplying number of automated home valuation processes that may appear to be less expensive than an appraisal, almost all lenders still call in a local expert because the stakes are very high. You might think that obtaining a mortgage is the only basis for getting an appraisal, but there are other times when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional could be helpful.

Let J. GRAHAM GAULT REAL ESTATE APPRAISER & CONSULTANT assist you in lowering your mortgage payment

Dispute your tax assessment

It's likely you're paying too much in property taxes if you live in an area where property values have declined. Ad Valorem taxes are determined by a previous assessment of your home, so if values are less than what they used to be in your neighborhood, you can appeal your assessment and save money. An appraisal from J. GRAHAM GAULT REAL ESTATE APPRAISER & CONSULTANT is your best evidence when building your case. We can assist you in appealing your tax assessment.

PMI removal to reduce a mortgage payment

When the amount being loaned to the homeowneris more than 80% of the actual value of the property, most lenders ask home owners to purchase this extra insurance policy. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. Very often, this additional payment is bundled into the monthly mortgage payment and is quickly forgotten. PMI is no longer required when the leftover 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 payments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met.

If you'd like to get rid of PMI, J. GRAHAM GAULT REAL ESTATE APPRAISER & CONSULTANT will provide you with a statement regarding the value of your home. The expense of the home valuation can usually be offset in a short amount of time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Order your appraisal from J. GRAHAM GAULT REAL ESTATE APPRAISER & CONSULTANT today

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Get a fair valuation on a home for divorce settlements

A divorce is often complicated by the burdensome decision of who maintains the property, and it can be a particularly daunting event for both parties. It's a good idea to get an appraisal from J. GRAHAM GAULT REAL ESTATE APPRAISER & CONSULTANT so both parties are fully aware of the true market value of their home, regardless of the situation.

If the parties need 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 received a fair assessment.

Ascertain an accurate and fair valuation for estate liquidation

Losing a loved one is a difficult time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often calls for 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.

Most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to handle these matters, unlike wealthier individuals. And since a home or other property often makes up an uneven share of the total estate value, knowing the true value of the real estate at hand is of vital importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've gotten an honest deal.

Move to or from Ouachita County through an employee relocation program

Employee relocation can be a stressful event, and we understand. That's why we take great care in establishing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our detailed inspection, we encourage relocating employees to provide remarks on the positive aspects of their property, along with information regarding any recent sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered.

Close on your home promptly — at the right price

A professional appraisal will help you make a better educated decision regarding your asking price, whether you decide to sell your home on your own or with the help of a real estate agent. 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 rest on our efforts to complete the appraisal report.

On a daily basis, we examine the difference in value things like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. And we're experts in knowing how long housesstay on the market. So, obtaining 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 an unnecessarily long time.

Let J. GRAHAM GAULT REAL ESTATE APPRAISER & CONSULTANT help you sell your home quickly at the right price