Let James Earp Appraisal Service serve your appraisal needs

Thousands of people in North Carolina buy, sell or refinance their home every month. Many of these transactions contain a simple line item for an appraisal. Almost all lenders still call in a local expert because the stakes are very high, even though there are a budding number of automated home valuation systems that might seem less expensive than an appraisal. Is getting a mortgage the only reason you should get an appraisal? Are there also instances when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional might come in handy? Of course.

Let James Earp Appraisal Service help you lower your mortgage payment

Dispute your tax assessment in Wake County

It's probable you're paying too much in property taxes if you live in an area where property values have declined. Property taxes are determined by a past assessment of your real estate, so if prices are less than what they used to be in your area, you can appeal your assessment and save money. An appraisal from James Earp Appraisal Service is your best evidence when building your case. We can assist you in appealing your tax assessment.

PMI removal to reduce a mortgage payment

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is a supplemental insurance plan that many lenders ask homebuyers to buy when the amount being loaned to the homebuyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the real estate. This additional payment is often folded into the monthly mortgage payment and is soon forgotten. PMI isn't required when the remainder of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - goes below the 80% level, making this very unfavorable. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was invoked by the United States Congress that requires lenders to do away with the PMI payments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met.

If you'd like to do away with PMI, James Earp Appraisal Service will produce a statement regarding the value of your home. The expense of the home valuation can often be regained in a short amount of time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

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Get a fair valuation on a home for divorce settlements

A divorce is often complicated by the difficult decision of who gets the house, and it can be a particularly traumatic ordeal for both parties. So both parties are completely aware of the true market value of their house, it's a good idea to order an appraisal from James Earp Appraisal Service, regardless of the situation.

The parties will have a better 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 gotten a fair evaluation.

Fair and accurate estate liquidation

The death of a loved one is a painful time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often calls for an appraisal to establish Fair Market Value for the real estate involved. The ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) binds us with confidentiality, guaranteeing the utmost degree of discretion.

Unlike many wealthy individuals, most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to manage these matters. And since a home or other property often makes up a disproportionate share of the total estate value, knowing the true worth of the real estate at hand is of vital importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've received a fair deal.

Move to or from Wake County through an employee relocation program

We know 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 detailed inspection, we encourage relocating employees to provide input on the positive characteristics of their property, along with information about any current sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered.

Close on your home promptly — 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. Apart from a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for. 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 determine the difference in value items like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. Seeking a professional appraisal is a trusted way to determine 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 are one the market.

Let James Earp Appraisal Service assist you in selling your home quickly at the right price