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Reasons someone would need a la mode, inc.

To many, an appraisal just looks like one more thing on the settlement sheet for a mortgage or refinance. Almost all lenders still want a local expert because the stakes are so high, even though there are a budding number of automated home valuation systems that might seem more prudent than an appraisal. You might think that getting a mortgage is the only reason to get an appraisal, but there are other cases when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional might be beneficial.

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Dispute your tax assessment in Oklahoma County

It's likely you're paying too much in property taxes if you reside in an area where property values have declined. Property taxes are determined by a previous assessment of your real estate, so if prices have declined in your area, you can challenge your assessment and save money. When building your case, an appraisal from a la mode, inc. is your best evidence. At a la mode, inc.,we can assist you in disputing your tax assessment.

Let a la mode, inc. assist you in lowering your mortgage payment

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an extra insurance policy that nearly all lenders ask home buyers to buy when the amount being loaned to the homebuyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the property. More often than not, this added payment is lumped into the monthly mortgage payment and is quickly forgotten. This is unfortunate because PMI isn't required when the leftover balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - dips below the 80% mark. In fact, the United States Congress invoked a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) that requires lenders to do away with the PMI installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met.

If you'd like to eliminate PMI, a la mode, inc. will give you a statement regarding the value of your home. The price you paid for the appraisal can often be regained 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 burdensome decision of who keeps the property, and it can be an especially heartbreaking occurrence for both parties. So both parties are entirely aware of the true market value of their house, it's a good idea to order an appraisal from a la mode, inc., regardless of the situation.

The parties will have a better idea of what price to set, if they need to sell the home. And on the flip side, if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've gotten a fair evaluation.

Settling an estate with peace of mind

The death of a loved one is a hard 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. We ensure 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 take care of these matters, unlike wealthier individuals. A home or other property often makes up an uneven 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 walk away knowing they've gotten a fair deal.

Relocating to or from Oklahoma County?

We are aware of the headaches involved with an employee relocation. That's why we take great care in organizing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our detailed process, we encourage employees that are moving to provide remarks on the positive features of their property, along with information regarding any recent sales or listings in their area that they want considered.

Selling 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 better educated decision when determining your selling price. Unlike a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for. Our fees depend on our efforts to finish the appraisal report and not a percentage of the sales price.

On a daily basis, we examine the difference in value items like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. And we're experts in knowing how long homes are on the market. So, seeking a professional appraisal is a trusted way to determine what improvements will add value and what an applicable sales price is for your home so you don't come up short or have your house on the market for an extended amount of time.