There are lots of reasons people call on Carter's Appraisal Service

To many, an appraisal just looks like another fee in the long list of items for a mortgage or refinance. While there are a multiplying number of automated home valuation methods that might seem cheaper than an appraisal, nearly all lenders still call for a local expert because the stakes are very high. But is securing a mortgage the only reason to get an appraisal? Are there other instances when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional could come in handy? Of course.


	For real estate appraisals in Houston and Harris County, it's easiest when your order online from Carter's Appraisal Service, just click here.

Let Carter's Appraisal Service help you dispute your tax assessment in Harris County

If you live in an area where the value of property has depreciated, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. When building your case, an appraisal from Carter's Appraisal Service is your best evidence. At Carter's Appraisal Service, we're equipped to assist you in disputing your tax assessment.

Let Carter's Appraisal Service help you eliminate PMI to lower your mortgage payment

When the amount being loaned to the home owner is more than 80% of the actual value of the real estate, most lenders ask homeowners to buy an extra insurance plan. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. This extra payment is often bundled into the monthly mortgage payment and is promptly forgotten. This is unfavorable because PMI is no longer required when the leftover balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - decreases below the 80% level. In fact, the United States Congress passed a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) requiring lenders to eliminate the PMI payments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met.

If you'd like to do away with PMI, Carter's Appraisal Service can provide you with a statement regarding the value of your home. The expense of the appraisal can usually be regained in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Divorce settlement with less stress

A divorce can be an especially traumatic experience for both parties, and it is often even more complicated by the hard decision of who gets the house. Regardless of the situation, it's wise to get an appraisal from Carter's Appraisal Service so both parties are fully aware of the true market value of their home.

If the parties need 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 gotten a fair evaluation.

Fair and accurate estate liquidation with Carter's Appraisal ServiceSettling an estate

The loss 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 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 utmost degree of discretion.

Unlike many wealthy individuals, most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to manage these matters. 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 leave knowing they've gotten a fair deal.

Carter's Appraisal Service can assist you in relocating to or from Harris County

We understand the stress involved with an employee relocation. That's why we take great care in establishing an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our detailed process, we encourage relocating employees to provide feedback on the positive characteristics of their property, along with information regarding any current sales or listings in their area that they want considered.

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

A professional appraisal will help you make a more informed decision regarding your selling price, whether you want to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent. An appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for, which is different than the interest of real estate agents. Our fees aren't related to the sales price, but rather they are based on our efforts to finish the appraisal.

On a daily basis, we determine the difference in value things like an extra 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 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.