Lone Star Appraisal Services in Forney do appraisals for numerous clients

To many, an appraisal just looks like a line item on the break-sheet for a home sale or refinance. Nearly all lenders still call in a local expert because the stakes are incredibly high, even though there are an increasing number of automated home valuation processes that may appear to be less expensive than an appraisal. You might think that obtaining a mortgage is the only reason to acquire an appraisal, but there are more situations when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional might come in handy.

Order appraisals online from Lone Star Appraisal Services by simply clicking here.

Dispute your tax assessment in Kaufman County

If you reside in an area where property values have depreciated, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. An appraisal from Lone Star Appraisal Services is your best evidence when building your case. We're capable of assisting you in appealing your tax assessment.

Let Lone Star Appraisal Services help you do away with PMI to lower your mortgage payment

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an added insurance plan that almost all lenders ask homeowners to buy when the amount being loaned to the homeowner is more than 80% of the actual value of the real estate. Oftentimes, this extra payment is bundled 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% level, making this very unfortunate. 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.

If you'd like to eliminate PMI, Lone Star Appraisal Services will provide you with a statement regarding the value of your home. The cost of the home valuation can generally be recovered in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

An appraisal from Lone Star Appraisal Services will help you settle a divorce with less stress

A divorce is often complicated by the difficult decision of who gets the property, and it can be a very heartbreaking occurrence for both parties. Regardless of the situation, it's wise to order an appraisal from Lone Star Appraisal Services so both parties are fully aware of the true market value of their home.

If the parties want to sell the home, they'll have a better idea of what price to set. And on the flip side, if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've gotten a fair evaluation.

Fair and accurate estate liquidation

Losing a loved one is a hard time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often requires an appraisal to establish Market Value for the real estate involved. We ensure the maximum degree of discretion, as we're bound with confidentiality by the ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).

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 unequal share of the total estate value, so knowing the true value of the real estate at hand is of essential importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've received a fair deal.

Relocating to or from Kaufman County

We understand the stress involved with an employee relocation. We take great care in organizing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our detailed process, we suggest relocating employees to provide feedback on the positive characteristics of their property, as well as information regarding any current sales or listings in their area that they want considered.

Don't sell out short or let your home stay on the market too long.

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 when determining your asking price. An appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for, unlike real estate agents. Our fees are based on our efforts to finish the appraisal report and not a percentage of the sales price.

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 homes are on the market. So, obtaining a professional appraisal is a reliable 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 for an extended amount of time.