Why you should hire an appraiser

Year after year, thousands of people in Texas buy, sell or refinance their home. A lot of these transactions involve a simple line item for an appraisal. Even though there are a growing number of automated home valuation systems that might appear less expensive than an appraisal, most lenders still want a local expert because the stakes are incredibly high. But is securing a mortgage the only reason to get an appraisal? Are there more times when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional might come in handy? Of course there are.

For real estate appraisals in League City and Galveston County, it's easiest when your order online from Astra Appraisal Services, just click here.

Appeal your tax assessment in Galveston County

If you live in an area where the value of property has declined, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. An appraisal from Astra Appraisal Services is your best evidence when building your case. At Astra Appraisal Services, we're capable of assisting you in appealing your tax assessment.

Let Astra Appraisal Services help you get rid of PMI to lower your mortgage payment

When the amount being loaned to the home buyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the home, many lenders ask buyers to purchase an extra insurance plan. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. Oftentimes, this additional payment is folded into the monthly mortgage payment and is promptly forgotten. PMI isn't necessary when the remaining balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - goes below the 80% level, making this very unfavorable. In fact, the United States Congress invoked 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.

Astra Appraisal Services will give you a statement regarding the value of your home, and the price you paid for the appraisal can usually be offset in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Settling a divorce with less stress with an appraisal from Astra Appraisal Services

A divorce is often complicated by the challenging decision of who maintains the property, and it can be an especially heartbreaking occurrence for both parties. Regardless of the situation, it's a good idea to get an appraisal from Astra Appraisal Services 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 wish to sell the home. And on the flip side, if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've received 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. The ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) binds us with confidentiality, ensuring the highest degree of discretion.

Most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to manage these issues, unlike many wealthy individuals. And since a home or other property often makes up an unequal share of the total estate value, understanding the correct value of the real estate at hand is of significant importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've gotten an honest deal.

Relocating to or from Galveston County

Moving due to a job change is a more than just an inconvenience. We know where you're coming from! That's why we take great care in establishing an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide input on the positive aspects of their property, along with information about any new sales or listings in their area that they want considered during our detailed process.

Selling your home quickly at the right price with an appraisal from Astra Appraisal Services

Whether you choose to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal can help you make a better educated decision regarding your asking price. An appraiser has no vested interest in what price 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 rest on our efforts to complete the appraisal.

On a daily basis, we analyze the difference in value things like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. Getting a professional appraisal is a reliable way to determine what improvements will add value and what an applicable 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 are one the market.