Why you should hire an appraiser

Year after year, thousands of people in Virginia buy, sell or refinance their home. Most of these transactions consist of a simple line item for an appraisal. Even though there are a growing number of automated home valuation processes that might appear to be more economical than an appraisal, practically all lenders still need a local expert because the stakes are so high. But is securing a mortgage the only basis for getting an appraisal? Are there additional situations when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional might come in handy? Absolutely.


	Contact William Kittilstad if you're planning on any transaction where the value of your real estate is a factor. Just click here

Let William Kittilstad help you challenge your tax assessment in Fairfax County

If you live in an area where property values have depreciated, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. An appraisal from William Kittilstad is your best evidence when building your case. At William Kittilstad, we're qualified to assist you in challenging your tax assessment.

Removing PMI will lower your mortgage payment

When the amount being loaned to the home owner is more than 80% of the actual value of the property, many lenders ask home buyers to take out an additional insurance plan. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. Seeing that additional payment is usually bundled into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. PMI is unnecessary when the remainder of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - dips below the 80% mark, making this very unfavorable. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was implemented by the United States Congress that requires lenders to remove the PMI installments when the balance is paid down to 78% of the original value.

If you'd like to do away with PMI, William Kittilstad can produce a statement regarding the value of your home. The price you paid for the appraisal can usually be recovered in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Divorce settlement with less stress

A divorce is often complicated by the challenging decision of who maintains the home, and it can be a particularly heartbreaking ordeal for both parties. It's a good idea to get an appraisal from William Kittilstad so both parties are fully aware of the true market value of their home, regardless of the circumstances.

The parties will have a better idea 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 assessment.

Settling an estate with peace of mind

The death of a loved one is a difficult time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often entails an appraisal to establish Market Value for the residential property 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 wealthy individuals, most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to handle these issues. 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.

Let William Kittilstad help you with relocating to or from Fairfax County

We understand the stress associated with an employee relocation. That's why we take great care in organizing an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide feedback on the positive aspects of their property, along with information regarding any recent sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered during our detailed process.

Sell your home quickly at the right price with an appraisal from William Kittilstad

Whether you decide to sell your home on your own or with the help 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 amount the house sells for. The price we charge isn't contingent upon the value opinion we render, but rather they rest on our efforts to finish the appraisal.

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