Reasons to order an appraisalEvery year, thousands of people in Virginia purchase, sell or refinance their home. Many of these transactions contain a simple line item for an appraisal. Even though there are a budding number of automated home valuation methods that may appear to be less expensive than an appraisal, almost all lenders still need a local expert because the stakes are incredibly high. Is obtaining 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? Of course. ![]() Challenge your tax assessment in Fairfax CountyIf you reside in an area where property values have depreciated, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. An appraisal from Certified Commonwealth Appraisals, LLC is your best evidence when building your case. We're qualified to assist you in disputing your tax assessment. Eliminate PMI to lower your mortgage paymentPrivate Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an extra insurance plan that almost all lenders ask buyers to purchase when the amount being loaned to the homeowner is more than 80% of the actual value of the real estate. Since the extra payment is usually folded into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. PMI is unnecessary when the remainder of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - dips below the 80% mark, making this very unfortunate. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was invoked by the United States Congress that requires lenders to remove the PMI installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. If you'd like to do away with PMI, Certified Commonwealth Appraisals, LLC can produce a statement regarding the value of your home. The cost of the home valuation can often be regained in little time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Get your appraisal from Certified Commonwealth Appraisals, LLC Order onlineGet a clear valuation on a home for divorce settlementsA divorce can be an especially daunting experience for both parties, and it is often even more complicated by the hard decision of who keeps the house. So both parties are fully aware of the true market value of their house, it's a good idea to order an appraisal from Certified Commonwealth Appraisals, LLC, regardless of the circumstances. If the parties want to sell the home, they'll have a clearer picture 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 evaluation. Ascertain a fair and accurate valuation for estate liquidationLosing a loved one is a difficult time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often requires an appraisal to establish Fair Market Value for the residential property 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 don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to take care of these affairs. And seeing that a home or other property often makes up a disproportionate share of the total estate value, understanding the true worth of the real estate at hand is of vital importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've received an honest deal. Relocate to or from Fairfax County through an employee relocation programEmployee relocation is a stressful event, and we understand. That being said, we take great care in organizing an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our intensive inspection, we recommend relocating employees to provide input on the positive aspects of their property, along with information about any current sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered. Sell your home quickly — at the right priceWhether you decide to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal will help you make a better educated decision when determining your asking price. An appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for, apart from real estate agents. Our fees rest on our efforts to finish the appraisal report and not a percentage of the sales price. We analyze the difference in value items like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. And we're experts in knowing how long propertiesstay on the market. So, getting 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 an unnecessarily long time. ![]() |