Let Mike Surles RE, LLC handle your appraisal

To many, an appraisal is simply a line item on the settlement sheet for a mortgage or refinance. And while there are a developing number of automated home valuation systems that may appear more economical than an appraisal, almost all lenders still call in a local expert because the stakes are so high. You might assume that obtaining a mortgage is the only basis for getting an appraisal, but there are additional situations when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional could be beneficial.

If you're planning on any transaction where the value of your real estate is a factor, you should contact Mike Surles RE, LLC. Just click here.

Challenge your tax assessment in Charleston 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 house, so if values are less than what they used to be in your area, you can challenge your assessment and save money. When building your case, an appraisal from Mike Surles RE, LLC is your best evidence. At Mike Surles RE, LLC, we're capable of assisting you in appealing your tax assessment.

Getting rid of your PMI will lower your mortgage payment

When the amount being loaned to the homebuyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the property, many lenders ask homeowners to take out 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 unfavorable because PMI becomes unnecessary when the remainder of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - dips below the 80% level. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was approved by the United States Congress requiring lenders to do away with the PMI installments on most mortgages when the balance is paid down to 78% of the original value.

Mike Surles RE, LLC can give you a statement regarding the value of your home, and the price you paid for the home valuation can often be recovered in little time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Settling a divorce with less stress

A divorce can be an especially traumatic experience for both parties, and it is often even more complicated by the burdensome decision of who maintains the home. So both parties are entirely aware of the true market value of their house, it's a good idea to get an appraisal from Mike Surles RE, LLC, regardless of the situation.

The parties will have a better idea of what price to set, if they want to sell the home. And on the flip side, if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've received a fair evaluation.

Fair and accurate estate liquidation with Mike Surles RE, LLC Settling an estate

The death of 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 maximum degree of discretion.

Most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to manage these affairs, unlike wealthier individuals. A home or other property often makes up a disproportionate share of the total estate value, so understanding the true value of the real estate at hand is of essential importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've gotten an honest deal.

Mike Surles RE, LLC can help you with relocating to or from Charleston County

Employee relocation can be a real pain, and we understand. That's why we take great care in establishing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our thorough process, we recommend relocating employees to provide remarks on the positive features of their property, along with information about any recent sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered.

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

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 asking price. With much different interests than a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for. The price we charge isn't a percentage of the sales price, but rather they rest on our efforts to finish the appraisal.

We examine the difference in value things like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. Seeking 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 are one the market.