Reasons to order an appraisal

To many, an appraisal is simply one more thing in the long list of items for a home sale or refinance. While there are a growing number of automated home valuation methods that might seem more prudent than an appraisal, practically all lenders still want a local expert because the stakes are so high. You might assume that getting a mortgage is the only reason to get an appraisal, but there are additional cases when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional could come in handy.


	Secure appraisal ordering is easy from Kent Lageson. Just click here

Appeal your tax assessment in Scott County

If you live in an area where the value of property has depreciated, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. When building your case, an appraisal from Kent Lageson is your best evidence. We're qualified to assist you in appealing your tax assessment.

Let Kent Lageson help you eliminate PMI to lower your mortgage payment

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an extra insurance policy that most lenders ask homebuyers to purchase when the amount being loaned to the buyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the real estate. This added payment is often lumped into the monthly mortgage payment and is soon forgotten. PMI isn't required when the remainder of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - goes below the 80% mark, making this very unfavorable. In fact, the United States Congress invoked 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.

Kent Lageson can give you a statement regarding the value of your home, and the cost of the appraisal can generally be regained in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Settling a divorce with less stress

A divorce is often complicated by the troublesome decision of who gets the property, and it can be a very heartbreaking occurrence for both parties. It's a good idea to get an appraisal from Kent Lageson so both parties are entirely aware of the true market value of their property, regardless of the circumstances.

The parties will have a clearer picture of what price to set, if they want to sell the home. And if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've received a fair assessment.

Fair and accurate estate liquidation with help from Kent LagesonSettling an estate

The death of 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. The ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) binds us with confidentiality, guaranteeing the fullest degree of discretion.

Unlike wealthier individuals, most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to take care of these issues. A home or other property often makes up an unequal 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 leave knowing they've gotten a fair deal.

Relocating to or from Scott County?

Moving due to a job change is a real pain, and we understand. That's why we take great care in setting up a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide remarks on the positive aspects of their property, as well as information regarding any current sales or listings in their area that they want considered during our thorough process.

Sell your home quickly at the right price

Whether you choose 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 regarding your selling price. An appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for, unlike real estate agents. The price we charge isn't related to the sales price, but rather they rest on our efforts to finish the appraisal.

We determine 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 homes stay on the market. So, seeking a professional appraisal is a reliable way to decide 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.