There are lots of reasons people call on Michael Aytes

To a lot of people, an appraisal is simply one more thing on the settlement sheet for a home purchase or refinance. Most lenders still want a local expert because the stakes are so high, even though there are a developing number of automated home valuation processes that might appear less expensive than an appraisal. You might assume that securing a mortgage is the only reason you should get an appraisal, but there are additional instances when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional could be helpful.

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Let Michael Aytes help you appeal your tax assessment in Kenton County

It's quite possible you're paying too much in property taxes if you live in an area where property values have declined. Property taxes are based upon a past assessment of your home, so if values are less than what they used to be in your neighborhood, you can challenge your assessment and save money. An appraisal from Michael Aytes is your best evidence when building your case. We're equipped to assist you in appealing your tax assessment.

Michael Aytes can help you eliminate PMI to lower your mortgage payment

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is a supplemental insurance policy that nearly all lenders ask home buyers to buy when the amount being loaned to the home owner is more than 80% of the actual value of the property. Since the added payment is usually folded into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. PMI is unnecessary when the remaining balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - goes below the 80% mark, making this very unfortunate. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was passed by the United States Congress requiring lenders to dismiss the PMI payments when the balance is paid down to 78% of the original value.

If you'd like to do away with PMI, Michael Aytes will produce a statement regarding the value of your home. The cost of the appraisal can usually be recovered in a short amount of time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Divorce settlement with less stress

A divorce is often complicated by the burdensome decision of who maintains the property, and it can be a very heartbreaking experience for both parties. Regardless of the circumstances, it's a good idea to order an appraisal from Michael Aytes so both parties are entirely aware of the true market value of their property.

If the parties want to sell the home, they'll have a better idea 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.

Settling an estate with peace of mind

Losing a loved one is a difficult time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often requires 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, ensuring the maximum degree of discretion.

Most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to manage these matters, unlike wealthy individuals. A home or other property often makes up an unequal share of the total estate value, so understanding the true value of the real estate at hand is of significant importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've gotten a fair deal.

Michael Aytes can assist you in relocating to or from Kenton County

Employee relocation is a stressful event, and we understand. That's why we take great care in setting up 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 area that they want considered during our thorough process.

Don't sell out for too little or let your home stay on the market too long.

A professional appraisal will 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. Unlike 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 complete the appraisal report and and aren't related to the sales price.

On a daily basis, we analyze the difference in value things like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. And we're experts in knowing how long houses stay on the market. So, obtaining a professional appraisal is a trusted way to determine 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 for an extended amount of time.