Getting an appraisal from Sterling Appraisal Group

To a lot of people, an appraisal just looks like one more thing in the long list of items for a home sale or refinance. And while there are a growing number of automated home valuation processes that may appear more economical than an appraisal, the majority of lenders still need a local expert because the stakes are so high. You might believe that securing a mortgage is the only basis for getting an appraisal, but there are other instances when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional might be helpful.

For real estate appraisals in Federal Way and King County, it's easiest when your order online from Sterling Appraisal Group, just click here.

Challenge your tax assessment in King County

It's probable 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 previous assessment of your real estate, so if values have declined in your neighborhood, you can challenge your assessment and save money. When building your case, an appraisal from Sterling Appraisal Group is your best evidence. At Sterling Appraisal Group,we can assist you in challenging your tax assessment.

Eliminating PMI will lower your mortgage payment

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an extra insurance plan that almost all lenders ask homeowners to buy when the amount being loaned to the home owner is more than 80% of the actual value of the property. This additional payment is often bundled 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 - goes below the 80% level. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was approved by the United States Congress requiring lenders to do away with the PMI installments on most mortgages when the balance is paid down to 78% of the original value.

If you'd like to eliminate PMI, Sterling Appraisal Group will give you a statement regarding the value of your home. The expense of the appraisal can usually be offset in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Settling a divorce with less stress with an appraisal from Sterling Appraisal Group

A divorce is an especially traumatic ordeal for the parties involved, and it is often more complicated by the strenuous decision of who maintains the home. It's a good idea to order an appraisal from Sterling Appraisal Group 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 a good idea of what price to set. And if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've received a fair evaluation.

Fair and accurate estate liquidation with help from Sterling Appraisal GroupSettling an estate

Losing a loved one is a painful time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often entails an appraisal to establish Market Value for the residential property involved. We ensure 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 don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to handle these affairs, unlike wealthy individuals. A home or other property often makes up a disproportionate 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 leave knowing they've gotten a fair deal.

Sterling Appraisal Group can assist you in relocating to or from King County

We are familiar with the headaches involved with an employee relocation. That being said, we take great care in setting up an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our thorough process, we suggest employees that are moving to provide input on the positive characteristics of their property, as well as information regarding any new sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered.

Sell your home quickly at the right price

Whether you decide to sell your home on your own or with the help of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal can help you make a more informed decision regarding your asking price. An appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for, which is different than the interest of real estate agents. Our fees are derived from our efforts to perform the appraisal report and not a percentage of the sales price.

On a daily basis, we examine the difference in value things like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. Obtaining a professional appraisal is a trusted way to decide 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 - because we're experts in knowing how long properties are one the market.