Let LightHouse Appraisals take care of your appraisal

Thousands of people in Indiana purchase, sell or refinance their home each year. Many of these transactions have a simple line item for an appraisal. And even though there are a growing number of automated home valuation processes that might appear to be more practical than an appraisal, almost all lenders still want a local expert because the stakes are incredibly high. But is getting a mortgage the only reason to get an appraisal? Are there more times when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional might come in handy? You bet there are.

Contact LightHouse Appraisals if you're planning on any transaction where the value of your house is a factor. Just click here

Let LightHouse Appraisals help you challenge your tax assessment in Tippecanoe County

If you reside in an area where property values have declined, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. When building your case, an appraisal from LightHouse Appraisals is your best evidence. At LightHouse Appraisals,we can assist you in challenging your tax assessment.

Let LightHouse Appraisals help you lower your mortgage payment

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is a supplemental insurance policy that almost all lenders ask home buyers to purchase when the amount being loaned to the home owner is more than 80% of the actual value of the real estate. Since the added payment is usually folded into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. PMI is no longer required when the remainder of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - falls below the 80% level, 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 payments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met.

LightHouse Appraisals will produce a statement regarding the value of your home, and the cost of the appraisal can usually be regained in a short amount of time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

An appraisal from LightHouse Appraisals will help you settle a divorce with less stress

A divorce is often complicated by the challenging decision of who keeps the property, and it can be a particularly traumatic occurrence for both parties. Regardless of the circumstances, it's wise to get an appraisal from LightHouse Appraisals so both parties are entirely aware of the true market value of their home.

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

Fair and accurate estate liquidation with LightHouse AppraisalsSettling an estate

Losing a loved one is a hard 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. The ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) binds us with confidentiality, guaranteeing the highest degree of discretion.

Most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to take care of these matters, unlike wealthy individuals. And since a home or other property often makes up an unequal share of the total estate value, understanding the certain value of the real estate at hand is of vital importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've received an honest deal.

Relocating to or from Tippecanoe County?

We know the headaches involved with an employee relocation. That being said, we take great care in organizing an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide remarks on the positive characteristics of their property, along with information about any new sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered during our detailed process.

Selling your home quickly at the right price with an appraisal from LightHouse Appraisals

A professional appraisal will help you make a more informed decision when determining your asking price, whether you decide to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent. Unlike a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for. Our fees are calculated on our efforts to finish the appraisal report and not a percentage of the sales price.

On a daily basis, we examine the difference in value things like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. Seeking a professional appraisal is a trusted way to determine what improvements will add value and what an appropriate 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 houses stay on the market.