Why you should order an appraisal from Sandra Koutsopoulos

Year after year, thousands of people in California purchase, sell or refinance their home. A lot of these transactions consist of a simple line item for an appraisal. Most lenders still call in a local expert because the stakes are incredibly high, even though there are a multiplying number of automated home valuation processes that may appear to be more cost-effective than an appraisal. You might think that securing a mortgage is the only reason to get an appraisal, but there are additional situations when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional might be beneficial.


	When you're planning on any transaction where the value of your house is a factor, just contact Sandra Koutsopoulos. Just click here

Appeal your tax assessment in Riverside 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 Sandra Koutsopoulos is your best evidence. At Sandra Koutsopoulos, we're qualified 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 a supplemental insurance plan that nearly all lenders ask homeowners to buy when the amount being loaned to the homebuyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the home. Since the extra payment is usually folded into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. This is damaging because PMI isn't necessary when the remainder of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - dips below the 80% level. In fact, the United States Congress passed a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) requiring lenders to remove the PMI installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met.

If you'd like to get rid of PMI, Sandra Koutsopoulos can give you a statement regarding the value of your home. The cost of the home valuation can generally be offset in a short amount of time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Settling a divorce with less stress

A divorce is a very daunting ordeal for the parties involved, and it is often further complicated by the hard decision of who keeps the house. It's a good idea to get an appraisal from Sandra Koutsopoulos so both parties are fully aware of the true market value of their home, regardless of the situation.

If the parties need to sell the home, they'll have a clearer picture of what price to set. And on the flip side, if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've gotten a fair evaluation.

Fair and accurate estate liquidation

The loss of a loved one is a difficult time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often requires 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 don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to take care of these matters, unlike wealthier individuals. A home or other property often makes up an unequal share of the total estate value, so understanding the true value of the real estate at hand is of essential importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've gotten an honest deal.

Relocating to or from Riverside County?

We are familiar with the stress involved with an employee relocation. That being said, we take great care in organizing an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide feedback on the positive features of their property, along with information regarding any current sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered during our detailed process.

Selling your home quickly at the right price

Whether you choose to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal can help you make a better educated decision when determining your selling price. 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 are derived from our efforts to complete the appraisal report and and aren't related to the sales price.

We determine the difference in value things like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. And we're experts in knowing how long houses are on the market. So, seeking a professional appraisal is a reliable way to decide 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 too long, costing you hassle and money.