Why you should order an appraisal

To a lot of us, an appraisal just looks like one more thing in the long list of items for a home purchase or refinance. While there are a multiplying number of automated home valuation methods that may appear more cost-effective than an appraisal, nearly all lenders still call in a local expert because the stakes are incredibly high. You might assume that securing a mortgage is the only reason to acquire an appraisal, but there are more cases when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional could be helpful.

For real estate appraisals in Council Blfs and Pottawattamie County, it's easiest when your order online from Behrens Appraisal Services, just click here.

Challenge your tax assessment in Pottawattamie County

It's likely you're paying too much in property taxes if you reside in an area where property values have depreciated. 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 Behrens Appraisal Services is your best evidence. At Behrens Appraisal Services,we can assist you in challenging your tax assessment.

Let Behrens Appraisal Services help you eliminate PMI to lower your mortgage payment

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an extra insurance policy that most lenders ask buyers to purchase when the amount being loaned to the homebuyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the real estate. This added payment is often bundled into the monthly mortgage payment and is soon forgotten. This is unfavorable because PMI isn't required when the leftover balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - falls below the 80% mark. 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.

Behrens Appraisal Services will provide you with a statement regarding the value of your home, and the cost of the home valuation can usually be recovered in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

An appraisal from Behrens Appraisal Services will help you settle a divorce with less stress

A divorce can be a very traumatic ordeal for both parties, and it is often even more complicated by the challenging decision of who keeps the home. So both parties are fully aware of the true market value of their home, it's a good idea to get an appraisal from Behrens Appraisal Services, regardless of the circumstances.

If the parties want to sell the home, they'll have a a good idea of what price to set. 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 Behrens Appraisal ServicesSettling an estate

The death of a loved one is a difficult time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often requires an appraisal to establish Market Value for the real estate involved. The ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) binds us with confidentiality, guaranteeing the highest degree of discretion.

Unlike many wealthy individuals, most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to take care of these issues. And seeing that a home or other property often makes up an uneven share of the total estate value, knowing the certain value of the real estate at hand is of significant importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've received a fair deal.

Behrens Appraisal Services can help you with relocating to or from Pottawattamie County

Employee relocation is a stressful event. We know where you're coming from! We take great care in establishing an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our detailed process, we recommend employees that are moving to provide feedback on the positive aspects of their property, along with information about any recent sales or listings in their area that they want considered.

Let Behrens Appraisal Services help you sell your home quickly at the right price

Whether you decide to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal can help you make a more informed 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 are based on our efforts to complete the appraisal.

We analyze the difference in value things like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. And we're experts in knowing how long houses are on the market. So, getting a professional appraisal is a trusted way to determine 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 too long, costing you time and money.