Why you should order an appraisal

Year after year, thousands of people in North Carolina purchase, sell or refinance their home. Many of these transactions have a simple line item for an appraisal. And while there are a budding number of automated home valuation methods that may appear to be cheaper than an appraisal, the majority of lenders still call for a local expert because the stakes are incredibly high. You might assume that getting a mortgage is the only basis for getting an appraisal, but there are additional instances when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional might be helpful.


	For real estate appraisals in Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, it's easiest when your order online from Walker & Associates, just click here.

Let Walker & Associates help you dispute your tax assessment in Mecklenburg County

It's quite possible 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 prices are less than what they used to be in your area, you can challenge your assessment and save money. An appraisal from Walker & Associates is your best evidence when building your case. We're qualified to assist you in challenging your tax assessment.

Removing PMI will lower your mortgage payment

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an extra insurance plan that many lenders ask buyers to buy when the amount being loaned to the home owner is more than 80% of the actual value of the property. Seeing that added payment is usually folded into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. This is bad because PMI is no longer required when the remaining balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - falls below the 80% mark. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was passed by the United States Congress that requires lenders to remove the PMI installments when the balance is paid down to 78% of the original value.

Walker & Associates can give you a statement regarding the value of your home, and the cost of the home valuation can often be offset in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Settling a divorce with less stress

A divorce is a particularly daunting experience for the parties involved, and it is often more complicated by the hard decision of who gets the house. So both parties are completely aware of the true market value of their home, it's a good idea to get an appraisal from Walker & Associates, regardless of the circumstances.

The parties will have a a good idea of what price to set, if they want to sell the home. And on the flip side, if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've received a fair assessment.

Settling an estate with peace of mind

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 highest degree of discretion.

Unlike wealthy individuals, most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to manage these affairs. And since a home or other property often makes up a disproportionate 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.

Walker & Associates can assist you in relocating to or from Mecklenburg County

We are familiar with the stress associated with an employee relocation. That being said, we take great care in organizing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our thorough process, we encourage employees that are moving to provide feedback on the positive aspects of their property, along with information regarding any recent sales or listings in their area that they want considered.

Let Walker & Associates help you 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 will help you make a better educated decision when determining your selling price. An appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for, unlike real estate agents. Our fees aren't contingent upon the value we report, but rather they rest on our efforts to finish the appraisal.

On a daily basis, we analyze the difference in value items like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. Getting 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 - because we're experts in knowing how long homes stay on the market.