Why you should order an appraisalEach year, thousands of people in Arizona purchase, sell or refinance their home. A lot of these transactions have a simple line item for an appraisal. Even though there are an increasing number of automated home valuation systems that might appear to be cheaper than an appraisal, almost all lenders still need a local expert because the stakes are so high. Is obtaining a mortgage the only reason to acquire an appraisal? Are there additional times when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional might be beneficial? You bet. ![]() Appeal your tax assessment in Maricopa CountyIt's possible you're paying too much in property taxes if you reside in an area where property values have depreciated. Property taxes are determined by a past assessment of your home, so if values have declined in your area, you can appeal your assessment and save money. An appraisal from Diamondback Appraisal & Consulting, Inc. is your best evidence when building your case. At Diamondback Appraisal & Consulting, Inc., we're equipped to assist you in appealing your tax assessment. Removing PMI for mortgage paymentsPrivate Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is a supplemental insurance plan that most lenders ask buyers to purchase when the amount being loaned to the home owner is more than 80% of the actual value of the home. Oftentimes, this extra payment is lumped into the monthly mortgage payment and is promptly forgotten. PMI is unnecessary when the leftover balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - dips below the 80% level, making this very unfortunate. In fact, the United States Congress implemented a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) requiring 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, Diamondback Appraisal & Consulting, Inc. will give you a statement regarding the value of your home. The cost of the home valuation can usually be regained in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Order an appraisal from Diamondback Appraisal & Consulting, Inc. Order onlineGet a clear valuation on a home for divorce settlementsA divorce is a particularly daunting experience for the parties involved, and it is often even more complicated by the troublesome decision of who gets the home. Regardless of the circumstances, it's a good idea to order an appraisal from Diamondback Appraisal & Consulting, Inc. so both parties are entirely aware of the true market value of their home. If the parties wish to sell the home, they'll have a better idea of what price to set. And if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've gotten a fair assessment. Fair and accurate estate liquidationThe death of 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 fullest degree of discretion. Unlike wealthy individuals, most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to take care of these issues. And seeing that a home or other property often makes up a disproportionate 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 a fair deal. Relocate to or from Maricopa County through an employee relocation programEmployee relocation can be a stressful event, and we understand. That being said, we take great care in setting up an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our thorough inspection, we suggest relocating employees to provide input on the positive attributes of their property, along with information regarding any current sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered. Close on your home quickly — for the right priceWhether you want to sell your home on your own or with the help of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal will help you make a better educated decision when determining your asking price. Apart from a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for. Our fees depend on our efforts to finish the appraisal report and not a percentage of the sales price. We examine the difference in value items like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. And we're experts in knowing how long housesare on the market. So, 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. ![]() |