Reasons to consider an appraisal from RWA AppraisalsEvery year, thousands of people in Washington buy, sell or refinance their home. Most of these transactions have a simple line item for an appraisal. The majority of lenders still want a local expert because the stakes are very high, even though there are an increasing number of automated home valuation methods that may seem less expensive than an appraisal. You might assume that securing a mortgage is the only reason you should get an appraisal, but there are more instances when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional could be helpful. ![]() Contest your tax assessment in Kitsap CountyIf you are in an area where the property value has depreciated, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. When building your case, an appraisal from us is your best evidence. We can assist you in disputing your tax assessment. PMI removal to reduce your mortgage paymentPrivate Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an extra insurance policy that almost all lenders ask homebuyers to purchase when the amount being loaned to the home buyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the home. Seeing that extra payment is usually lumped into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. PMI isn't necessary when the remainder of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - dips 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) that requires lenders to remove the PMI installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. If you'd like to get rid of PMI, RWA Appraisals will provide you with a statement regarding the value of your home. The price you paid for the home valuation can generally be offset in little time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Order an appraisal from RWA Appraisals Order onlineDivorce settlement with fewer hang-upsA divorce is a very horrible ordeal for the parties involved, and it is often further complicated by the challenging decision of who keeps the home. So both parties are fully aware of the true market value of their property, it's a good idea to order an appraisal from RWA Appraisals, regardless of the situation. If the parties want to sell the home, they'll have a better idea of what price to set. And if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've received a fair evaluation. Determine a fair and accurate valuation for estate liquidationLosing a loved one is a hard time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often calls for an appraisal to establish Fair Market Value for the residential property 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). Most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to handle these issues, unlike wealthy individuals. A home or other property often makes up an unequal share of the total estate value, so knowing the true worth of the real estate at hand is of significant importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've received an honest deal. Move to or from Kitsap County through an employee relocation programWe know the headaches associated with an employee relocation. That being said, we take great care in setting up a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our detailed inspection, we recommend relocating employees to provide feedback on the positive features of their property, as well as information regarding any current sales or listings in their area that they want considered. Close on your home promptly — 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 can help you make a better educated decision regarding your asking price. An appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for, apart from real estate agents. Our fees are based on our efforts to finish the appraisal report and and aren't related to the sales price. We examine the difference in value items like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. Getting 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 stay on the market. ![]() |