Reasons someone would hire Craig Associates

To a lot of us, an appraisal is simply a line item in the long list of items for a home purchase or refinance. Most lenders still need a local expert because the stakes are incredibly high, even though there are a budding number of automated home valuation methods that might appear to be more prudent than an appraisal. You might think that obtaining a mortgage is the only reason you should get an appraisal, but there are other instances when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional could be beneficial.


	Order appraisals online from Craig Associates by simply clicking here.

Dispute your tax assessment in Broward County

It's probable you're paying too much in property taxes if you live in an area where property values have declined. Ad Valorem taxes are based upon a past assessment of your real estate, so if prices are less than what they used to be in your area, you can challenge your assessment and save money. When building your case, an appraisal from Craig Associates is your best evidence. We're capable of assisting you in challenging your tax assessment.

Craig Associates can help you get rid of PMI to lower your mortgage payment

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an additional insurance policy that most lenders ask homebuyers to buy when the amount being loaned to the homebuyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the real estate. This added payment is often bundled into the monthly mortgage payment and is soon forgotten. This is bad because PMI becomes unnecessary when the remainder 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 do away with the PMI installments when the balance is paid down to 78% of the original value.

Craig Associates can provide you with a statement regarding the value of your home, and the price you paid for the appraisal can generally be offset in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Settling a divorce with less stress

A divorce is often complicated by the troublesome decision of who gets the house, and it can be an especially heartbreaking event for both parties. Regardless of the situation, it's a good idea to get an appraisal from Craig Associates so both parties are entirely aware of the true market value of their home.

If the parties want to sell the home, they'll have a a good idea of what price to set. And if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've gotten a fair assessment.

Trustworthy estate liquidation

The death of a loved one is a difficult time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often calls for an appraisal to establish Market Value for the real estate involved. We guarantee the fullest 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 handle these affairs, unlike wealthier individuals. And since a home or other property often makes up an uneven share of the total estate value, understanding the certain value of the real estate at hand is of essential importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've received an honest deal.

Relocating to or from Broward County?

We understand the headaches associated with an employee relocation. We take great care in setting up a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our detailed process, we suggest employees that are moving to provide input on the positive attributes of their property, as well as information about any recent sales or listings in their area that they want considered.

Selling your home quickly at the right price

A professional appraisal can help you make a more informed decision when determining your selling price, whether you decide to sell your home on your own or with the help of a real estate agent. 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 aren't a percentage of the sales price, but rather they are based on our efforts to complete the appraisal.

On a daily basis, we examine the difference in value items like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. And we're experts in knowing how long properties stay on the market. So, seeking a professional appraisal is a trusted 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.