Reasons someone would use the services of Ken Colley & Associates Inc.

To a lot of people, an appraisal just looks like another cost in the long list of items for a mortgage or refinance. And even though there are an increasing number of automated home valuation methods that may appear more prudent than an appraisal, nearly all lenders still call in a local expert because the stakes are very high. You might believe that securing a mortgage is the only reason to acquire an appraisal, but there are more situations when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional might come in handy.

For real estate appraisals in Fort Smith and Sebastian County, it's easiest when your order online from Ken Colley & Associates Inc., just click here.

Challenge your tax assessment in Sebastian County

If you reside in an area where property values have depreciated, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. When building your case, an appraisal from Ken Colley & Associates Inc. is your best evidence. At Ken Colley & Associates Inc.,we can assist you in appealing your tax assessment.

How can you get rid of PMI to 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 home buyers to purchase an additional insurance plan. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. This added payment is often bundled into the monthly mortgage payment and is soon forgotten. PMI isn't necessary when the remainder of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - goes below the 80% mark, making this very unfavorable. In fact, the United States Congress passed a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) requiring lenders to eliminate the PMI installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met.

If you'd like to get rid of PMI, Ken Colley & Associates Inc. can give you a statement regarding the value of your home. The price you paid for the appraisal can often be recovered in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Settling a divorce with less stress with an appraisal from Ken Colley & Associates Inc.

A divorce can be a particularly traumatic experience for both parties, and it is often further complicated by the hard decision of who maintains the property. It's a good idea to order an appraisal from Ken Colley & Associates Inc. so both parties are fully aware of the true market value of their home, regardless of the situation.

The parties will have a good idea of what price to set, if they wish to sell the home. And if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've received a fair assessment.

Trustworthy estate liquidation

The loss 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 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 handle these matters, unlike many wealthy individuals. A home or other property often makes up an uneven share of the total estate value, so knowing the true value of the real estate at hand is of vital importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've received an honest deal.

Ken Colley & Associates Inc. can help you with relocating to or from Sebastian County

We are aware of the headaches involved with an employee relocation. That being said, we take great care in establishing an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide remarks on the positive characteristics of their property, as well as information regarding any current sales or listings in their area that they want considered during our intensive process.

Don't sell out for too little or keep your home on the market too long.

Whether you choose to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal will help you make a more informed decision when determining your asking price. An appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for, unlike real estate agents. Our fees are calculated on our efforts to perform the appraisal report and not a percentage of the sales price.

On a daily basis, we determine the difference in value things like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. 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 an unnecessarily long time - because we're experts in knowing how long houses stay on the market.