Reasons someone would hire Ballard Appraisal Service

To many, an appraisal just looks like a line item on the break-sheet for a home purchase or refinance. And even though there are a budding number of automated home valuation processes that might appear more cost-effective than an appraisal, nearly all lenders still call in a local expert because the stakes are so high. But is getting a mortgage the only basis for getting an appraisal? Are there more situations when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional could be beneficial? You bet.


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Appeal your tax assessment in Minnehaha County

If you live in an area where property values have depreciated, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. When building your case, an appraisal from Ballard Appraisal Service is your best evidence. We're capable of assisting you in disputing your tax assessment.

Ballard Appraisal Service can help you get rid of PMI to lower your mortgage payment

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an extra insurance policy that nearly all lenders ask homeowners to buy when the amount being loaned to the homebuyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the property. Since the extra payment is usually folded into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. This is damaging because PMI is unnecessary when the remainder of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - goes below the 80% level. In fact, the United States Congress invoked a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) requiring lenders to remove the PMI payments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met.

If you'd like to do away with PMI, Ballard Appraisal Service will produce a statement regarding the value of your home. The expense of the home valuation can generally be offset in little time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Settling a divorce with less stress

A divorce can be an especially daunting ordeal for both parties, and it is often even more complicated by the burdensome decision of who keeps the home. Regardless of the situation, it's wise to order an appraisal from Ballard Appraisal Service 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 received a fair evaluation.

Settling an estate with peace of mind

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

Most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to handle these affairs, unlike wealthier individuals. And seeing that a home or other property often makes up an uneven share of the total estate value, knowing the correct value of the real estate at hand is of essential importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've gotten an honest deal.

Let Ballard Appraisal Service assist you in relocating to or from Minnehaha County

Employee relocation can be a more than just an inconvenience, and we understand. We take great care in setting up a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our detailed process, we suggest employees that are moving to provide feedback on the positive characteristics of their property, along with information about any new sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered.

Don't sell out for too little or keep your home on the market too long.

A professional appraisal can help you make a more informed decision when determining your selling price, whether you want to sell your home on your own or with the help of a real estate agent. Separate from a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for. The price we charge isn't a percentage of the sales price, but rather they rest on our efforts to finish the appraisal.

We determine the difference in value things like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. And we're experts in knowing how long houses stay on the market. So, 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 for an extended amount of time.