Why you should get an appraisal from Gowan Appraisal Service, Inc.Every year, thousands of people in South Carolina purchase, sell or refinance their home. Many of these transactions include a simple line item for an appraisal. And while there are a growing number of automated home valuation processes that might appear to be less expensive than an appraisal, almost all lenders still call in a local expert because the stakes are so high. Is securing a mortgage the only reason to acquire an appraisal? Are there also situations when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional could be beneficial? Of course there are. ![]() Dispute your tax assessment in Spartanburg CountyIf you reside in an area where the property value has declined, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. An appraisal from Gowan Appraisal Service, Inc. is your best evidence when building your case. We're equipped to assist you in challenging your tax assessment. Getting rid of your PMI for mortgage paymentsWhen the amount being loaned to the homeowneris more than 80% of the actual value of the property, most lenders ask home buyers to take out this added insurance plan. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. Since the added payment is usually bundled 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 - goes below the 80% mark, making this very unfavorable. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was implemented by the United States Congress requiring lenders to dismiss the PMI installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. If you'd like to get rid of PMI, Gowan Appraisal Service, Inc. can provide you with a statement regarding the value of your home. The cost of the appraisal can usually be regained in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Order an appraisal from Gowan Appraisal Service, Inc. Order todaySettle a divorce with less stressA divorce is often complicated by the hard decision of who maintains the house, and it can be an especially traumatic occurrence for both parties. It's a good idea to get an appraisal from Gowan Appraisal Service, Inc. so both parties are completely aware of the true market value of their property, regardless of the situation. The parties will have a good idea of what price to set, if they wish to sell the home. And if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've received a fair assessment. Accurate and fair estate liquidationLosing a loved one is a hard 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 highest 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 do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to handle these affairs. And since a home or other property often makes up a disproportionate share of the total estate value, knowing the true value of the real estate at hand is of vital importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've received an honest deal. Move to or from Spartanburg County through an employee relocation programEmployee relocation can be a stressful event, and we understand. That's why we take great care in organizing an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our thorough inspection, we suggest relocating employees to provide remarks on the positive aspects of their property, along with information regarding any current sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered. Close on your home promptly — at the right priceA professional appraisal can help you make a more informed decision when determining your asking price, whether you decide 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 a percentage of the sales price, but rather they depend on our efforts to complete the appraisal report. 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 housesare on the market. So, seeking a professional appraisal is a trusted 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. ![]() |