Let James Wagner handle your appraisal needsTo many, an appraisal just looks like another cost on the settlement sheet for a home sale or refinance. The majority of lenders still want a local expert because the stakes are incredibly high, even though there are a multiplying number of automated home valuation methods that might appear more prudent than an appraisal. You might assume that getting a mortgage is the only basis for getting an appraisal, but there are additional instances when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional might be beneficial. 
Appeal your tax assessmentIt's possible you're paying too much in property taxes if you live in an area where property values have declined. Ad Valorem taxes are determined by a previous assessment of your house, so if prices have gone down in your neighborhood, you can appeal your assessment and save money. When building your case, an appraisal from us is your best evidence. At James Wagner, we're qualified to assist you in disputing your tax assessment. Eliminating PMI for mortgage paymentsPrivate Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an added insurance policy that many lenders ask home owners to buy when the amount being loaned to the homebuyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the real estate. Since the added payment is usually bundled into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. PMI becomes unnecessary when the leftover 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 invoked a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) that requires lenders to dismiss the PMI payments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. James Wagner will produce a statement regarding the value of your home, and the price you paid for the home valuation can generally be offset in a short amount of time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Order an appraisal from James Wagner Order onlineGet a fair valuation on a home take make a divorce settlement less stressfulA divorce is often complicated by the burdensome decision of who gets the home, and it can be a very traumatic occurrence for both parties. Regardless of the situation, it's a good idea to order an appraisal from James Wagner so both parties are completely aware of the true market value of their property. The parties will have a clearer picture of what price to set, if they want to sell the home. And on the flip side, if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've gotten a fair assessment. Fair and accurate estate liquidationThe death 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. Most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to manage these matters, unlike many wealthy individuals. And seeing that a home or other property often makes up a disproportionate share of the total estate value, understanding the true worth of the real estate at hand is of essential importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've received a fair deal. Move to or from Santa Clara County for workWe are aware of the stress associated with an employee relocation. That's why we take great care in organizing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our thorough inspection, we recommend relocating employees to provide remarks on the positive characteristics of their property, as well as information regarding any current sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered. Close on your home quickly — at an accurate priceWhether you decide to sell your home on your own or with the help of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal can help you make a better educated decision when determining your asking price. Unlike a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for. Our fees are based on our efforts to finish the appraisal report and and aren't related to the sales price. On a daily basis, we analyze the difference in value items like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. And we're experts in knowing how long housesare on the market. So, seeking a professional appraisal is a reliable way to decide 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. 
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