Why do you need
an appraisal?

Each year, people buy, sell, or refinance their home. In each of these transactions, a professional is needed to make sure that you’re not getting taken advantage of, and the values are fair and upto-date. There are also other times when you need the services of a certified, licensed, and independent real estate professional.

Before You Sell

Before you decide to sell your home, there are several things to think about.

Lots of things that we do to our houses effect the value, but not all of them have an equal effect. While some improvements may improve the appeal of a home, it may not add enough value to the home to cover the cost to make those improvements. These decisions can be made easier with the help of a licensed appraiser. An appraiser has no vested interest in what the house sells for, unlike a realtor. The appraiser’s fee is based on efforts to help you, not the percentage of the sale. Seeking the help of a professional appraiser can often help homeowners make the best decisions on their home investments and create a fair sales price.

PMI Removal

PMI, or Private Mortgage Insurance is the supplemental insurance that lenders ask home buyers to purchase when the loan amount is more than 80% of the home value. This payment is often included into the monthly mortgage payment and soon ignored. This can cost you unnecessary high payments when the remaining balance of the loan dips below the 80% level. Homeowners Protection Act of 1998 was passed by Congress to require lenders to remove the PMI payments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. However, many appraisers can offer services for homeowners who believe they have met the 80% loan-to-value metrics. For a normal fee, appraisers can provide you with a statement regarding the home value.

Estate Planning, Liquidation, or Divorce

During difficult times like the loss of a loved one, divorce, or other variables that become challenging, a lot of complicated decisions need to be made regarding an estate. The majority of Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to handle these issues. An appraiser can help in these instances as well. The first step in disposing of an estate fairly, is to understand the market value. When property is involved, the appraiser can determine the market value and equitable arrangements can be more easily arrived at among all parties. Everyone involved can walk away knowing they have been treated fairly.

Property Tax Challenges

While everyone has a different perspective on what a house is worth. A real estate appraiser can help you be prepared to tackle this challenge. If you believe that you’re paying too much in property tax typically you can make an appeal with your local assessor.  You will need something to give them to show why your property is being assessed too high.  A full or limited appraisal would be what you would need for the property appeal. 

“I’ve been utilizing Jenny Hobbs for appraisal services for many years. She has consistently provided excellent service and her quality of work is of the highest standard.”
Pete WislanderV.P. Commercial Lending, Blue Grass Savings Bank.
“I have worked with Jenny Hobbs for the past several years. Her knowledge of the real estate market value is exceptional. She is always timely and professional. I know when I see an appraisal from her, it will be accurate!”
Lonna WoodsBroker & Realtor
“We love working with Jenny! She is always prompt, courteous, and professional. Even when we send her seemingly impossible tasks, she manages to get them to us on time and exceeds expectations. She is incredibly thorough and we really just can’t say enough how much we enjoy working with her.”
Jessica CochranClient Success Advocate at Pendo Management
“We have been using Jenny for five years, and she always provides fast, reliable, dependable service. We can always count on her to do a great job.”
IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union Mortgage Department.