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Why you should get an appraisal from Copeland Appraisals, L.L.C.

Thousands of people in Alabama purchase, sell or refinance their home every year. A lot of these transactions include a simple line item for an appraisal. And even though there are an increasing number of automated home valuation processes that may seem more economical than an appraisal, almost all lenders still call in a local expert because the stakes are incredibly high. You might assume that obtaining a mortgage is the only reason you should get an appraisal, but there are other times when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional could be helpful.

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Appeal your tax assessment in Shelby County

If you reside in an area where property values have depreciated, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. An appraisal from Copeland Appraisals, L.L.C. is your best evidence when building your case. At Copeland Appraisals, L.L.C.,we can assist you in disputing your tax assessment.

PMI removal will lower your mortgage payment

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is a supplemental insurance policy that almost all lenders ask homebuyers to buy when the amount being loaned to the home buyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the real estate. This additional payment is often bundled into the monthly mortgage payment and is quickly forgotten. This is unfortunate because PMI is no longer required when the remaining balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - falls below the 80% level. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was passed by the United States Congress requiring lenders to eliminate the PMI installments on most mortgages when the balance is paid down to 78% of the original value.

Copeland Appraisals, L.L.C. can give you a statement regarding the value of your home, and the expense of the appraisal can generally be offset in little time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Settling a divorce with less stress with an appraisal from Copeland Appraisals, L.L.C.

A divorce is often complicated by the burdensome decision of who maintains the house, and it can be an especially traumatic occurrence for both parties. Regardless of the circumstances, it's wise to get an appraisal from Copeland Appraisals, L.L.C. so both parties are fully aware of the true market value of their property.

The parties will have a clearer picture of what price to set, if they want to sell the home. And 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 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. We ensure the utmost 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 matters, unlike wealthy individuals. A home or other property often makes up a disproportionate share of the total estate value, so knowing the true value of the real estate at hand is of significant importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've received a fair deal.

Relocating to or from Shelby County

We are aware of the stress involved with an employee relocation. That's why we take great care in setting up a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our detailed process, we recommend employees that are moving to provide remarks on the positive aspects of their property, along with information about any recent sales or listings in their area that they want considered.

Selling your home quickly at the right price with an appraisal from Copeland Appraisals, L.L.C.

Whether you decide to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal will help you make a better educated decision regarding your asking price. With much different interests than a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for. 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 things 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, seeking a professional appraisal is a reliable 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.