Why you should hire an appraiserThousands of people in Montana purchase, sell or refinance their home each month. Most of these transactions have a simple line item for an appraisal. And even though there are a budding number of automated home valuation systems that might seem less expensive than an appraisal, almost all lenders still call in a local expert because the stakes are so high. You might believe that securing a mortgage is the only reason you should get an appraisal, but there are more instances when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional might be beneficial. ![]() Challenge your tax assessmentIf you reside in an area where the value of property has declined, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. An appraisal from Big Sky Appraisal is your best evidence when building your case. At Big Sky Appraisal, we're capable of assisting you in disputing your tax assessment. Getting rid of your PMI for mortgage paymentsWhen the amount being loaned to the home buyeris more than 80% of the actual value of the property, nearly all lenders ask home buyers to purchase this added insurance plan. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. Very often, this extra payment is lumped into the monthly mortgage payment and is promptly forgotten. PMI becomes unnecessary when the remaining balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - dips 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 installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. Big Sky Appraisal will give you a statement regarding the value of your home, and the expense of the home valuation can often be offset in a short amount of time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Order an appraisal from Big Sky Appraisal Order todaySettle a divorce with fewer hang-upsA divorce can be a very daunting experience for both parties, and it is often further complicated by the difficult decision of who maintains the house. Regardless of the situation, it's a good idea to get an appraisal from Big Sky Appraisal so both parties are entirely aware of the true market value of their home. The parties will have a clearer picture of what price to set, if they need to sell the home. And if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've received a fair assessment. Determine a fair and accurate valuation for estate liquidationThe loss of a loved one is a painful time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often entails an appraisal to establish Fair 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 fullest degree of discretion. Unlike wealthier individuals, most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to take care of these issues. A home or other property often makes up an uneven share of the total estate value, so understanding the true value of the real estate at hand is of significant importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've gotten an honest deal. Move to or from Lewis And Clark County for workEmployee relocation can be a stressful event, and we understand. That's why we take great care in setting up an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide input on the positive characteristics of their property, as well as information about any current sales or listings in their area that they want considered during our intensive inspection. Sell your home promptly — for the right priceA professional appraisal can help you make a better educated decision regarding your asking price, whether you want to sell your home on your own or with the help of a real estate agent. Apart from a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for. Our fees rest on our efforts to finish the appraisal report and and aren't related to the sales price. On a daily basis, we determine the difference in value items like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. 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 an unnecessarily long time, because we're experts in knowing how long properties stay on the market. ![]() |