Why you should order an appraisal

Thousands of people in Arizona buy, sell or refinance their home every month. Many of these transactions involve a simple line item for an appraisal. While there are a developing number of automated home valuation systems that may appear more practical than an appraisal, most lenders still want a local expert because the stakes are incredibly high. But is obtaining a mortgage the only reason to get an appraisal? Are there additional times when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional could come in handy? Absolutely.


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Let Layton and Watkins, Inc. help you appeal your tax assessment in Maricopa County

If you reside in an area where property values have depreciated, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. When building your case, an appraisal from Layton and Watkins, Inc. is your best evidence. We're capable of assisting you in appealing your tax assessment.

Layton and Watkins, Inc. can help you get rid of PMI to lower your mortgage payment

When the amount being loaned to the homeowner is more than 80% of the actual value of the real estate, many lenders ask home buyers to buy an added insurance policy. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. 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 remainder of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - dips below the 80% mark. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was passed by the United States Congress requiring lenders to dismiss the PMI payments on most mortgages when the balance is paid down to 78% of the original value.

Layton and Watkins, Inc. can provide you with a statement regarding the value of your home, and the price you paid for the home valuation 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 with an appraisal from Layton and Watkins, Inc.

A divorce is often complicated by the troublesome decision of who maintains the house, and it can be a particularly traumatic event for both parties. So both parties are fully aware of the true market value of their house, it's a good idea to order an appraisal from Layton and Watkins, Inc., regardless of the circumstances.

If the parties need 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 assessment.

Accurate and fair estate liquidation

Losing a loved one is a difficult 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. The ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) binds us with confidentiality, guaranteeing the fullest degree of discretion.

Most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to take care of these matters, unlike wealthier individuals. And seeing that a home or other property often makes up an unequal share of the total estate value, knowing the absolute value of the real estate at hand is of significant importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've gotten an honest deal.

Layton and Watkins, Inc. can help you with relocating to or from Maricopa County

We are aware of the stress associated with an employee relocation. That being said, we take great care in establishing an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide input on the positive features of their property, along with information regarding any recent sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered during our detailed process.

Sell your home quickly at the right price with an appraisal from Layton and Watkins, Inc.

Whether you want to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal will help you make a better educated decision when determining your selling price. Separate from a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for. The price we charge isn't contingent upon the value we report, but rather they rest on our efforts to complete the appraisal.

We analyze the difference in value things like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. Getting a professional appraisal is a trusted 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.