Do I really need an appraisal? 

To many, an appraisal is simply a line item in the long list of items for a mortgage or refinance. While there are a multiplying number of automated home valuation systems that may appear more economical than an appraisal, most lenders still call in a local expert because the stakes are very high. You might assume that getting a mortgage is the only basis for getting an appraisal, but there are other times when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional could be beneficial.

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Let us help you dispute your tax assessment

It's likely you're paying too much in property taxes if you live in an area where property values have declined. Property taxes are determined by a previous assessment of your home, so if values have declined in your area, you can challenge your assessment and save money. When building your case, an appraisal is your best evidence. At Aegis Appraisals, we're equipped to assist you in appealing your tax assessment.

How can you do away with PMI to lower your mortgage payment?

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an extra insurance plan that many lenders ask homeowners to buy when the amount being loaned to the home owner is more than 80% of the actual value of the real estate. This additional payment is often lumped into the monthly mortgage payment and is quickly forgotten. PMI becomes unnecessary 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 passed a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) requiring lenders to do away with the PMI payments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met.

Aegis Appraisals will provide you with a statement regarding the value of your home, and the cost of the home valuation can often be regained in little time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

An appraisal will help you settle a divorce with less stress

A divorce is often complicated by the strenuous decision of who keeps the property, and it can be a particularly heartbreaking ordeal for both parties. Regardless of the situation, it's wise to order an appraisal from Aegis Appraisals so both parties are fully aware of the true market value of their home.

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 received a fair evaluation.

Accurate and fair estate liquidation when settling an estate

Losing 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 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 do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to take care of these affairs, unlike wealthy individuals. And since a home or other property often makes up an unequal share of the total estate value, understanding the true value of the real estate at hand is of vital importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've gotten an honest deal.

Aegis Appraisals can assist you in relocating to or from the Greater Houston area

Moving due to a job change can be a more than just an inconvenience. We know where you're coming from. That being said, we take great care in setting up a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide remarks on the positive features of their property, as well as information about any current sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered during our intensive process.

Let us assist you in selling your home quickly at the right price

A professional appraisal can help you make a more informed decision when determining your asking price, whether you choose 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 contingent upon the value we come up with, but rather they depend on our efforts to complete the appraisal.

On a daily basis, we determine the difference in value things like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. Obtaining a professional appraisal is a trusted way to determine what improvements will add value and what a suitable 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 stay on the market.