Reasons to hire an appraiserEach year, thousands of people in Alabama buy, sell or refinance their home. Many of these transactions contain a simple line item for an appraisal. Practically all lenders still need a local expert because the stakes are incredibly high, even though there are a growing number of automated home valuation methods that may seem more cost-effective than an appraisal. You might think that obtaining a mortgage is the only basis for getting an appraisal, but there are additional times when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional could be beneficial. 
Contest your tax assessment in Montgomery CountyIf you live in an area where property values have declined, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. An appraisal from Hixon & Associates, LLC (334) 215-0388 is your best evidence when building your case. We can assist you in challenging your tax assessment. Getting rid of your PMI for mortgage paymentsPrivate Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is a supplemental insurance policy that nearly all lenders ask homebuyers to purchase when the amount being loaned to the home owner is more than 80% of the actual value of the real estate. Seeing that additional payment is usually lumped into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. This is bad because PMI isn't required when the leftover balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - decreases below the 80% mark. In fact, the United States Congress invoked a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) requiring lenders to eliminate the PMI payments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. If you'd like to eliminate PMI, Hixon & Associates, LLC (334) 215-0388 will produce a statement regarding the value of your home. The expense of the appraisal can generally be regained in little time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Order an appraisal from Hixon & Associates, LLC (334) 215-0388 Order todaySettle a divorce with less stressA divorce can be an especially daunting ordeal for both parties, and it is often more complicated by the burdensome decision of who gets the home. So both parties are completely aware of the true market value of their house, it's a good idea to order an appraisal from Hixon & Associates, LLC (334) 215-0388, regardless of the situation. If the parties need to sell the home, they'll have a clearer picture of what price to set. And if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've gotten a fair assessment. Determine a fair and accurate valuation for estate liquidationLosing a loved one is a painful time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often requires an appraisal to establish Fair Market Value for the real estate involved. We guarantee 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 wealthy individuals, most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to manage these affairs. A home or other property often makes up a disproportionate 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 leave knowing they've received a fair deal. Move to or from Montgomery County through an employee relocation programEmployee relocation can be a stressful event, and we understand. That being said, we take great care in establishing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide remarks on the positive attributes of their property, as well as information regarding any new sales or listings in their area that they want considered during our intensive inspection. Sell your home quickly — for the right priceA professional appraisal can help you make a better educated decision regarding your asking price, whether you choose to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent. Apart from a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for. Our fees aren't related to the sales price, but rather they depend on our efforts to finish the appraisal report. We determine the difference in value things like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. Seeking a professional appraisal is a reliable 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 an unnecessarily long time, because we're experts in knowing how long properties are one the market. 
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