Our appraisal firm performs appraisals for a variety of reasons in Jefferson and all surrounding counties

Thousands of people in Kentucky purchase, sell or refinance their home each month. A lot of these transactions involve a simple line item for an appraisal. Practically all lenders still call in a local expert because the stakes are very high, even though there are a developing number of automated home valuation methods that might seem more prudent than an appraisal. But is getting a mortgage the only reason to get an appraisal? Are there additional times when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional might be beneficial? You bet.



Let Mark A. Roberts help you dispute your tax assessment in Jefferson, Oldham, Trimble, Henry, Shelby, Spencer and Bullitt counties

It's likely you're paying too much in property taxes if you live in an area where property values have depreciated. Ad Valorem taxes are determined by a past assessment of your real estate, so if prices have gone down in your neighborhood, you can appeal your assessment and save money. When building your case, an appraisal from Mark A. Roberts is your best evidence. We're qualified to assist you in appealing your tax assessment.

Let Mark A. Roberts assist you in lowering your mortgage payment

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an additional insurance plan that nearly all lenders ask homebuyers to buy when the amount being loaned to the home owner is more than 80% of the actual value of the property. Seeing that extra payment is usually lumped into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. This is damaging because PMI isn't necessary 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 implemented by the United States Congress that requires lenders to do away with the PMI installments on most mortgages when the balance is paid down to 78% of the original value.

  We will produce a statement regarding the value of your home, and the expense of the home valuation can generally be recovered in a short amount of time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Settling a divorce with less stress

A divorce can be an especially daunting event for both parties, and it is often further complicated by the troublesome decision of who gets the home. So both parties are fully aware of the true market value of their house, it's a good idea to order an appraisal from our firm, regardless of the circumstances.

The parties will have a good idea 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 gotten a fair assessment.

Fair and accurate estate liquidation with Mark A. Roberts Real Estate Services

Losing a loved one is a difficult time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often entails an appraisal to establish Fair Market Value for the residential property involved. The ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) binds us with confidentiality, guaranteeing the utmost degree of discretion.

Most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to handle these matters, unlike wealthy individuals. A home or other property often makes up an unequal 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 gotten an honest deal.

Let Mark A. Roberts assist you in relocating to or from the Jefferson County and surrounding counties area

We understand the headaches involved with an employee relocation. That being said, we take great care in setting up a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our intensive process, we recommend relocating employees to provide remarks on the positive characteristics of their property, as well as information about any recent sales or listings in their area that they want considered.

Let Mark A. Roberts assist you in selling your home quickly at the right price

A professional appraisal will help you make a better educated decision regarding your asking price, whether you decide to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent. 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 are based on our efforts to complete the appraisal.

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