6 Reasons to consider an appraisal from GKS Appraisal ServicesEach year, thousands of people in Pennsylvania purchase, sell or refinance their home. Most of these transactions contain a simple line item for an appraisal. The majority of lenders still call for a local expert because the stakes are incredibly high, even though there are a growing number of automated home valuation methods that might appear to be more prudent than an appraisal. You might think that getting a mortgage is the only reason to acquire an appraisal, but there are additional situations when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional could be helpful. ![]() Dispute your tax assessment in Berks CountyIf you reside in an area where the property value has declined, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. When building your case, an appraisal from us is your best evidence. At GKS Appraisal Services, we're capable of assisting you in disputing your tax assessment. Getting rid of your PMI for mortgage paymentsWhen the amount being loaned to the home owneris more than 80% of the actual value of the property, almost all lenders ask buyers to take out this supplemental insurance plan. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. Since the additional payment is usually folded into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. PMI isn't required when the remaining balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - decreases below the 80% level, making this very unfortunate. 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. GKS Appraisal Services can produce a statement regarding the value of your home, and the cost of the home valuation can usually be regained in little time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Get your appraisal from GKS Appraisal Services Order todayGet a clear valuation on a home take make a divorce settlement less stressfulA divorce is often complicated by the challenging decision of who gets the property, and it can be a particularly traumatic occurrence for both parties. So both parties are entirely aware of the true market value of their home, it's a good idea to get an appraisal from GKS Appraisal Services, regardless of the situation. If the parties wish to sell the home, they'll have a clearer picture of what price to set. And if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've received a fair evaluation. Accurate and fair estate liquidationThe death of a loved one is a difficult time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often entails an appraisal to establish Fair 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 maximum degree of discretion. Most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to manage these issues, unlike wealthy individuals. And since a home or other property often makes up a disproportionate share of the total estate value, knowing the true worth of the real estate at hand is of essential importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've received a fair deal. Relocate to or from Berks County for workEmployee relocation can be a stressful event, and we understand. That being said, we take great care in setting up an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide feedback on the positive characteristics of their property, as well as information about any new sales or listings in their area that they want considered during our thorough inspection. Sell your home quickly — for the right priceA professional appraisal can help you make a more informed decision regarding your asking price, whether you choose to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent. Apart from a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for. Our fees are calculated on our efforts to finish the appraisal report and not a percentage of the sales price. On a daily basis, we analyze the difference in value things like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. 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 an unnecessarily long time, because we're experts in knowing how long houses are one the market. ![]() |