Why you should hire an appraiser

Each year, thousands of people in Alabama buy, sell or refinance their home. A lot of these transactions contain a simple line item for an appraisal. Almost all lenders still call in a local expert because the stakes are incredibly high, even though there are a growing number of automated home valuation processes that may appear to be more prudent than an appraisal. You might assume that securing a mortgage is the only basis for getting an appraisal, but there are additional times when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional could be beneficial.

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Dispute your tax assessment in Tuscaloosa County

If you live in an area where the value of property has declined, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. When building your case, an appraisal from Druid City Appraisals, LLC is your best evidence. We're capable of assisting you in challenging your tax assessment.

Let Druid City Appraisals, LLC help you do away with PMI to lower your mortgage payment

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an extra insurance policy that nearly all lenders ask buyers to buy when the amount being loaned to the buyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the home. Seeing that additional payment is usually folded into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. This is unfortunate because PMI is no longer required when the remaining balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - falls below the 80% mark. In fact, the United States Congress implemented a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) requiring lenders to do away with the PMI installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met.

If you'd like to get rid of PMI, Druid City Appraisals, LLC 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.

Settling a divorce with less stress

A divorce can be a very daunting experience for both parties, and it is often more complicated by the burdensome decision of who maintains the property. So both parties are completely aware of the true market value of their house, it's a good idea to get an appraisal from Druid City Appraisals, LLC, regardless of the circumstances.

If the parties wish to sell the home, they'll have a clearer picture 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 assessment.

Accurate and fair estate liquidation with Druid City Appraisals, LLCSettling 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 real estate involved. We guarantee the utmost 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 manage these affairs, unlike many wealthy individuals. And since a home or other property often makes up an unequal share of the total estate value, knowing the precise value of the real estate at hand is of vital importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've gotten a fair deal.

Relocating to or from Tuscaloosa County?

We are aware of the headaches involved with an employee relocation. That's why 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, along with information regarding any recent sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered during our thorough process.

Selling your home quickly at the right price

Whether you choose 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. Separate from a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for. Our fees aren't contingent upon the value opinion we render, but rather they depend on our efforts to finish the appraisal.

On a daily basis, we examine the difference in value things like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. Getting a professional appraisal is a trusted way to decide 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 an unnecessarily long time - because we're experts in knowing how long homes stay on the market.