Why you should get an appraisal

Every year, thousands of people in Indiana purchase, sell or refinance their home. Most of these transactions contain a simple line item for an appraisal. And even though there are a growing number of automated home valuation systems that might appear to be more prudent than an appraisal, almost all lenders still call in a local expert because the stakes are very high. But is obtaining a mortgage the only reason to acquire an appraisal? Are there more cases when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional might be beneficial? You bet there are.


	Order appraisals online from Blair's Appraisal Service by simply clicking here.

Let Blair's Appraisal Service help you challenge your tax assessment in Allen 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 based upon a past assessment of your home, so if values are less than what they used to be in your neighborhood, you can challenge your assessment and save money. When building your case, an appraisal from Blair's Appraisal Service is your best evidence. At Blair's Appraisal Service, we're capable of assisting you in appealing your tax assessment.

Let Blair's Appraisal Service help you lower your mortgage payment

When the amount being loaned to the homebuyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the home, almost all lenders ask homebuyers to purchase an additional insurance plan. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. Seeing that added payment is usually lumped into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. This is bad because PMI isn't necessary when the leftover balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - falls below the 80% level. In fact, the United States Congress passed a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) requiring lenders to eliminate the PMI installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met.

Blair's Appraisal Service can give you a statement regarding the value of your home, and the expense of the appraisal can usually be offset in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Settling a divorce with less stress with an appraisal from Blair's Appraisal Service

A divorce is a very traumatic event for the parties involved, and it is often further complicated by the difficult decision of who keeps the property. So both parties are completely aware of the true market value of their home, it's a good idea to order an appraisal from Blair's Appraisal Service, regardless of the circumstances.

If the parties need 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 assessment.

Fair and accurate estate liquidation

The death of a loved one is a difficult time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often entails an appraisal to establish 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.

Most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to handle these matters, unlike wealthy individuals. A home or other property often makes up an uneven 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 walk away knowing they've gotten an honest deal.

Blair's Appraisal Service can assist you in relocating to or from Allen County

Moving due to a job change 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 intensive process, we recommend relocating employees to provide input on the positive characteristics of their property, along with information regarding any recent sales or listings in their area that they want considered.

Selling your home quickly at the right price with an appraisal from Blair's Appraisal Service

A professional appraisal will help you make a more informed decision when determining your selling price, whether you choose 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. Our fees aren't related to the sales price, but rather they are based on our efforts to complete the appraisal.

We determine the difference in value things like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. And we're experts in knowing how long homes stay on the market. So, obtaining a professional appraisal is a reliable 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 too long, costing you hassle and money.