Reasons someone would use the services of Courtney Appraisal

To many, an appraisal just looks like a line item in the long list of items for a mortgage or refinance. Most 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 may appear to be more cost-effective than an appraisal. You might think that securing a mortgage is the only reason you should get an appraisal, but there are additional times when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional could come in handy.


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Let Courtney Appraisal help you dispute your tax assessment in Multnomah County

It'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 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 Courtney Appraisal is your best evidence. At Courtney Appraisal, we're qualified to assist you in appealing your tax assessment.

Removing PMI will lower your mortgage payment

When the amount being loaned to the home owner is more than 80% of the actual value of the property, nearly all lenders ask home owners to take out an extra insurance policy. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. Since the extra payment is usually bundled into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. This is unfortunate because PMI becomes unnecessary when the remainder of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - dips below the 80% mark. In fact, the United States Congress passed a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) requiring lenders to eliminate the PMI installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met.

If you'd like to get rid of PMI, Courtney Appraisal will give you a statement regarding the value of your home. The cost of the appraisal can often be recovered in little time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Settling a divorce with less stress

A divorce is a very heartbreaking event for the parties involved, and it is often further complicated by the strenuous decision of who keeps the house. So both parties are fully aware of the true market value of their house, it's a good idea to order an appraisal from Courtney Appraisal, regardless of the circumstances.

If the parties want 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 received a fair evaluation.

Accurate and fair estate liquidation with Courtney AppraisalSettling an estate

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 Market Value for the residential property involved. The ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) binds us with confidentiality, guaranteeing the fullest degree of discretion.

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

Let Courtney Appraisal help you with relocating to or from Multnomah County

We know the stress associated with an employee relocation. That being said, we take great care in organizing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide input on the positive attributes of their property, as well as information about any new sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered during our detailed process.

Sell your home quickly at the right price

Whether you choose 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. Separate from a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for. Our fees are calculated on our efforts to finish the appraisal report and not a percentage of the sales price.

We examine the difference in value things like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. 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 - because we're experts in knowing how long properties stay on the market.