Why Choose Us
Getting an appraisal from Southern Values
To many, an appraisal just looks like one more thing in the long list of items for a home purchase or refinance. Practically all lenders still want a local expert because the stakes are so high, even though there are a growing number of automated home valuation processes that may seem less expensive than an appraisal. But is obtaining a mortgage the only reason to get an appraisal? Are there additional cases when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional might come in handy? Of course, there are.
Dispute your tax assessment in Haywood County
If you live in an area where property values have declined, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. An appraisal from Southern Values is your best evidence when building your case. At Southern Values, we can assist you in disputing your tax assessment.
Divorce settlement with less stress
A divorce is an especially daunting ordeal for the parties involved, and it is often even more complicated by the strenuous decision of who maintains the property. It's a good idea to order an appraisal from Southern Values so both parties are completely aware of the true market value of their property, regardless of the situation.
The parties will have a better idea of what price to set, if they wish to sell the home. And on the flip side, if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've gotten a fair evaluation.
We can help you with relocating to or from Haywood County
We are aware of the stress involved with an employee relocation. We take great care in organizing an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our detailed process, we recommend relocating employees to provide remarks on the positive aspects of their property, along with information about any recent sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered.
We can help you get rid of PMI to lower your mortgage payment
Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an extra insurance plan that many lenders ask homeowners to purchase when the amount being loaned to the buyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the home. Seeing that extra payment is usually bundled into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. This is unfortunate because PMI isn't necessary when the leftover balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - decreases below the 80% level. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was passed by the United States Congress requiring lenders to eliminate the PMI installments on most mortgages when the balance is paid down to 78% of the original value.
Southern Values can produce a statement regarding the value of your home, and the cost of the appraisal can usually be recovered in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.
Settling an estate with peace of mind
The death of a loved one is a painful 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.
Unlike wealthy individuals, most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to handle these issues. A home or other property often makes up an uneven 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 received an honest deal.
Don't sell out short or keep your home on the market too long.
A professional appraisal will help you make a more informed decision when determining your selling price, whether you choose to sell your home on your own or with the help of a real estate agent. Separate from a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for. Our fees are derived from our efforts to finish the appraisal report and not a percentage of the sales price.
We examine the difference in value items like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. And we're experts in knowing how long houses are on the market. So, obtaining a professional appraisal is a reliable 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 for an extended amount of time.