Reasons to get an appraisalEach year, thousands of people in Oklahoma purchase, sell or refinance their home. A lot of these transactions contain a simple line item for an appraisal. While there are a multiplying number of automated home valuation processes that may appear to be more cost-effective than an appraisal, nearly all lenders still want a local expert because the stakes are very high. You might assume that getting a mortgage is the only reason you should get an appraisal, but there are additional cases when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional might be helpful. 
Appeal your tax assessmentIt's likely you're paying too much in property taxes if you live in an area where property values have declined. Ad Valorem taxes are determined by a previous assessment of your home, so if prices have gone down in your neighborhood, you can appeal your assessment and save money. An appraisal from Beta a la mode is your best evidence when building your case. At Beta a la mode, we're capable of assisting you in disputing your tax assessment. Get rid of PMI to lower your mortgage paymentPrivate Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is a supplemental insurance plan that almost all lenders ask home owners to buy when the amount being loaned to the homebuyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the property. Seeing that additional payment is usually folded into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. PMI isn't necessary when the leftover 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 installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. If you'd like to eliminate PMI, Beta a la mode can give you a statement regarding the value of your home. The price you paid for the home valuation can generally be recovered in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Get your appraisal from Beta a la mode Order onlineGet a fair valuation on a home for divorce settlementsA divorce is a particularly traumatic event for the parties involved, and it is often more complicated by the challenging decision of who maintains the home. Regardless of the situation, it's a good idea to order an appraisal from Beta a la mode so both parties are entirely aware of the true market value of their house. The parties will have a clearer picture 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 evaluation. Accurate and fair estate liquidationLosing 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 Fair Market Value for the real estate involved. We guarantee the highest degree of discretion, as we're bound with confidentiality by the ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). Unlike wealthier individuals, most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to manage these matters. 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. Move to or from Oklahoma County through an employee relocation programWe know the headaches associated with an employee relocation. We take great care in organizing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our detailed inspection, we recommend relocating employees to provide input on the positive aspects of their property, as well as information about any recent sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered. Sell your home quickly — for the right priceWhether you decide to sell your home on your own or with the help of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal can help you make a more informed decision regarding your asking price. Unlike a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for. Our fees aren't a percentage of the sales price, but rather they are based on our efforts to complete the appraisal report. We analyze 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 propertiesare on the market. So, getting a professional appraisal is a reliable way to determine what improvements will add value and what an applicable sales price is for your home so you don't come up short or have your house on the market an unnecessarily long time. 
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