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Why you should hire an appraiser

To many, an appraisal just looks like a line item in the long list of items for a mortgage or refinance. The majority of lenders still call for a local expert because the stakes are so high, even though there are a growing number of automated home valuation systems that may appear to be less expensive than an appraisal. But is securing a mortgage the only reason you should get an appraisal? Are there also times when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional might be helpful? You bet.

For real estate appraisals in Portage and Porter County, it's easiest when your order online from Theodore W. Uzelac Sr., just click here.

Appeal your tax assessment in Porter County

It's quite possible you're paying too much in property taxes if you reside in an area where property values have depreciated. Property taxes are determined by a previous assessment of your house, so if prices have gone down in your area, you can challenge your assessment and save money. An appraisal from Theodore W. Uzelac Sr. is your best evidence when building your case. At Theodore W. Uzelac Sr., we're capable of assisting you in challenging your tax assessment.

Let Theodore W. Uzelac Sr. help you eliminate PMI to lower your mortgage payment

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an extra insurance policy that many lenders ask home owners to buy when the amount being loaned to the home buyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the property. Most often, this additional payment is folded into the monthly mortgage payment and is promptly forgotten. This is bad because PMI isn't necessary when the remainder of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - falls below the 80% level. 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.

Theodore W. Uzelac Sr. will produce a statement regarding the value of your home, and the cost of the appraisal can often be recovered in a short amount of time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Settling a divorce with less stress

A divorce is often complicated by the difficult decision of who gets the home, and it can be a particularly heartbreaking experience for both parties. So both parties are entirely aware of the true market value of their property, it's a good idea to order an appraisal from Theodore W. Uzelac Sr., regardless of the situation.

The parties will have a good idea of what price to set, if they need 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 liquidation with Theodore W. Uzelac Sr.Settling an estate

The loss of a loved one is a painful time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often calls for an appraisal to establish Market Value for the residential property involved. We ensure the maximum degree of discretion, as we're bound with confidentiality by the ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).

Most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to take care of these issues, unlike wealthy individuals. And seeing that a home or other property often makes up an uneven share of the total estate value, understanding the correct value of the real estate at hand is of significant importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've received an honest deal.

Let Theodore W. Uzelac Sr. assist you in relocating to or from Porter County

Employee relocation can be a stressful event. We know where you're coming from! That being said, we take great care in establishing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide input on the positive aspects of their property, as well as information regarding any recent sales or listings in their area that they want considered during our detailed process.

Don't sell out short or keep your home on the market too long.

Whether you decide to sell your home on your own or with the help of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal will help you make a more informed decision when determining your asking price. An appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for, unlike real estate agents. Our fees depend on our efforts to complete the appraisal report and and aren't related to the sales price.

We analyze the difference in value items like an additional 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.