Let KEY INSIGHT serve your appraisal needsThousands of people in Wisconsin buy, sell or refinance their home every month. Most of these transactions consist of a simple line item for an appraisal. While there are a developing number of automated home valuation processes that might seem more prudent than an appraisal, almost all lenders still need a local expert because the stakes are very high. You might think that obtaining a mortgage is the only basis for getting an appraisal, but there are additional instances when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional could come in handy. ![]() Contest your tax assessmentIt's 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 previous assessment of your home, so if prices are less than what they used to be in your area, you can challenge your assessment and save money. An appraisal from KEY INSIGHT is your best evidence when building your case. At KEY INSIGHT, we're capable of assisting you in disputing your tax assessment. Getting rid of your PMI for mortgage paymentsPrivate Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an added insurance plan that almost all lenders ask homeowners to buy when the amount being loaned to the home owner is more than 80% of the actual value of the property. This additional payment is often bundled into the monthly mortgage payment and is quickly forgotten. PMI is no longer required when the remaining balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - dips below the 80% level, making this very unfortunate. In fact, the United States Congress invoked a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) requiring lenders to remove the PMI payments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. KEY INSIGHT can give you a statement regarding the value of your home, and the expense of the appraisal can usually be recovered in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Order an appraisal from KEY INSIGHT Order onlineGet a clear valuation on a home for divorce settlementsA divorce is an especially daunting event for the parties involved, and it is often more complicated by the challenging decision of who maintains the home. So both parties are completely aware of the true market value of their property, it's a good idea to order an appraisal from KEY INSIGHT, regardless of the situation. If the parties wish 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 gotten a fair evaluation. Ascertain an accurate and fair valuation for estate liquidationThe death of a loved one is a hard time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often calls for an appraisal to establish Fair Market Value for the real estate involved. We ensure the fullest degree of discretion, as we're bound with confidentiality by the ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). Most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to take care of these issues, unlike wealthier individuals. A home or other property often makes up a disproportionate share of the total estate value, so understanding the true worth of the real estate at hand is of vital importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've gotten a fair deal. Move to or from Oneida County through an employee relocation programEmployee relocation can be a stressful event, and we understand. That being said, we take great care in organizing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide remarks on the positive attributes of their property, along with information about any current sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered during our detailed inspection. Sell your home promptly — for the right priceA professional appraisal can help you make a more informed decision regarding your selling price, whether you choose to sell your home on your own or with the help of a real estate agent. An appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for, unlike real estate agents. Our fees aren't related to the sales price, but rather they rest on our efforts to finish the appraisal report. On a daily basis, we determine the difference in value items like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. Getting 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 an unnecessarily long time, because we're experts in knowing how long properties are one the market. ![]() |