Chris Lockard in KATY are called upon for diverse reasons

To a lot of us, an appraisal just looks like one more thing on the settlement sheet for a home purchase or refinance. Nearly all lenders still call in a local expert because the stakes are so high, even though there are a multiplying number of automated home valuation methods that may appear more economical than an appraisal. But is obtaining a mortgage the only reason you should get an appraisal? Are there other instances when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional could come in handy? You bet there are.

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Let Chris Lockard help you challenge your tax assessment in Harris County

It's possible you're paying too much in property taxes if you reside in an area where property values have declined. Property taxes are determined by a previous assessment of your house, so if prices have declined in your neighborhood, you can challenge your assessment and save money. When building your case, an appraisal from Chris Lockard is your best evidence. We're capable of assisting you in appealing your tax assessment.

Chris Lockard can 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 property, many lenders ask buyers to buy an supplemental insurance policy. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. Seeing that additional payment is usually bundled into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. This is damaging because PMI becomes unnecessary 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 approved by the United States Congress requiring lenders to dismiss the PMI installments on most mortgages when the balance is paid down to 78% of the original value.

Chris Lockard can give you a statement regarding the value of your home, and the cost of the home valuation can generally be offset in little time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Divorce settlement with less stress

A divorce is often complicated by the difficult decision of who maintains the house, and it can be a particularly heartbreaking event for both parties. It's a good idea to get an appraisal from Chris Lockard so both parties are fully aware of the true market value of their house, regardless of the circumstances.

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 gotten a fair evaluation.

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 entails an appraisal to establish Market Value for the residential property involved. We ensure the maximum 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 manage these affairs, unlike wealthier individuals. And seeing that a home or other property often makes up a disproportionate share of the total estate value, understanding the certain value of the real estate at hand is of vital importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've received a fair deal.

Chris Lockard can help you with relocating to or from Harris County

Employee relocation is a real pain, and we understand. That's why we take great care in establishing an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our intensive process, we suggest relocating employees to provide input on the positive features of their property, along with information regarding any recent sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered.

Sell your home quickly at the right price with an appraisal from Chris Lockard

A professional appraisal can help you make a better educated decision regarding your asking price, whether you decide 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 amount the house sells for. The price we charge isn't a percentage of the sales price, but rather they are based on our efforts to complete the appraisal.

We determine the difference in value items like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. And we're experts in knowing how long homes are on the market. So, 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 for an extended amount of time.