Colorado Appraisal Services in Fort Collins perform appraisals for diverse clients

To many, an appraisal is simply a line item on the settlement sheet for a mortgage or refinance. And while there are a developing number of automated home valuation processes that might appear to be more prudent than an appraisal, nearly all lenders still want a local expert because the stakes are incredibly high. But is securing a mortgage the only basis for getting an appraisal? Are there other cases when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional could come in handy? You bet there are.

Secure appraisal ordering is not a problem with Colorado Appraisal Services. Just click here

Let Colorado Appraisal Services help you challenge your tax assessment in Larimer County

It's likely you're paying too much in property taxes if you live in an area where property values have declined. Ad Valorem taxes are determined by a previous assessment of your house, so if values are less than what they used to be in your area, you can appeal your assessment and save money. When building your case, an appraisal from Colorado Appraisal Services is your best evidence. We're qualified to assist you in disputing your tax assessment.

Let Colorado Appraisal Services help you do away with 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 buyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the real estate. Since the added payment is usually bundled into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. This is unfavorable because PMI isn't required when the remaining balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - dips below the 80% level. In fact, the United States Congress passed a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) that requires lenders to eliminate the PMI payments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met.

If you'd like to do away with PMI, Colorado Appraisal Services can produce a statement regarding the value of your home. The cost of the home valuation can generally be regained in little time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Divorce settlement with less stress

A divorce is often complicated by the challenging decision of who gets the property, and it can be an especially heartbreaking ordeal for both parties. Regardless of the circumstances, it's wise to get an appraisal from Colorado Appraisal Services so both parties are entirely aware of the true market value of their property.

The parties will have a better idea of what price to set, if they wish 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 evaluation.

Fair and accurate estate liquidation with help from Colorado Appraisal ServicesSettling an estate

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 real estate involved. We ensure the fullest degree of discretion, as we're bound with confidentiality by the ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).

Unlike many wealthy individuals, most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to manage these matters. A home or other property often makes up an uneven share of the total estate value, so understanding 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.

Colorado Appraisal Services can help you with relocating to or from Larimer County

Moving due to a job change can be a stressful event, and we understand. That's why we take great care in establishing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our intensive process, we suggest employees that are moving to provide input on the positive features of their property, along with information regarding any recent sales or listings in their area that they want considered.

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

A professional appraisal can help you make a better educated 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. Unlike a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for. Our fees aren't contingent upon the value opinion we render, but rather they depend on our efforts to finish the appraisal.

We analyze 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, obtaining a professional appraisal is a reliable way to determine what improvements will add value and what a suitable 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.