Why you should order an appraisal

Each year, thousands of people in Oregon purchase, sell or refinance their home. Many of these transactions contain a simple line item for an appraisal. And while there are an increasing number of automated home valuation methods that may appear to be more practical than an appraisal, the majority of lenders still need a local expert because the stakes are so high. But is obtaining a mortgage the only reason to get an appraisal? Are there more situations when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional could be beneficial? You bet there are.


	For real estate appraisals in Baker City and Baker County, it's easiest when your order online from Dave Still Inc. dba: Northwest Appraisal Services, just click here.

Let Dave Still Inc. dba: Northwest Appraisal Services help you dispute your tax assessment in Baker County

It's quite possible you're paying too much in property taxes if you reside in an area where property values have declined. Property taxes are based upon a previous assessment of your house, so if values are less than what they used to be in your neighborhood, you can challenge your assessment and save money. An appraisal from Dave Still Inc. dba: Northwest Appraisal Services is your best evidence when building your case. At Dave Still Inc. dba: Northwest Appraisal Services, we're qualified to assist you in challenging your tax assessment.

PMI removal will lower your mortgage payment

When the amount being loaned to the home owner is more than 80% of the actual value of the home, many lenders ask home buyers to take out an supplemental insurance plan. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. Most often, this additional payment is folded into the monthly mortgage payment and is soon forgotten. PMI is unnecessary when the remaining balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - goes below the 80% mark, making this very unfortunate. In fact, the United States Congress implemented a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) that requires lenders to do away with the PMI payments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met.

If you'd like to do away with PMI, Dave Still Inc. dba: Northwest Appraisal Services can produce a statement regarding the value of your home. The cost of the home valuation can generally be recovered in a short amount of time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Settling a divorce with less stress with an appraisal from Dave Still Inc. dba: Northwest Appraisal Services

A divorce can be a very traumatic experience for both parties, and it is often even more complicated by the burdensome decision of who gets the property. Regardless of the circumstances, it's wise to get an appraisal from Dave Still Inc. dba: Northwest Appraisal Services so both parties are fully aware of the true market value of their property.

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 evaluation.

Fair and accurate estate liquidation with help from Dave Still Inc. dba: Northwest Appraisal ServicesSettling an estate

The death of a loved one is a painful time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often requires an appraisal to establish Market Value for the residential property involved. The ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) binds us with confidentiality, ensuring the utmost degree of discretion.

Unlike wealthier individuals, most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to manage these matters. And seeing that 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 essential importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've received a fair deal.

Let Dave Still Inc. dba: Northwest Appraisal Services assist you in relocating to or from Baker County

We understand the stress involved with an employee relocation. That being said, we take great care in establishing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our detailed process, we recommend employees that are moving to provide feedback on the positive attributes of their property, along with information regarding any current sales or listings in their area that they want considered.

Selling your home quickly at the right price with an appraisal from Dave Still Inc. dba: Northwest Appraisal Services

A professional appraisal will help you make a better educated 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 price the house sells for, which is different than the interest of real estate agents. The price we charge isn't related to the sales price, but rather they rest on our efforts to complete the appraisal.

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 houses are on the market. So, obtaining a professional appraisal is a reliable way to determine 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 for an extended amount of time.