Reasons to hire an appraiser

Every year, thousands of people in Missouri buy, sell or refinance their home. A lot of these transactions involve a simple line item for an appraisal. Even though there are a multiplying number of automated home valuation methods that might appear more economical than an appraisal, almost all lenders still want a local expert because the stakes are so high. You might believe that obtaining a mortgage is the only reason to acquire an appraisal, but there are more cases when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional might be helpful.


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Let Caton Appraisers, LLC help you challenge your tax assessment in Saint Louis County

It's possible you're paying too much in property taxes if you reside in an area where property values have declined. Ad Valorem taxes are based upon a previous assessment of your home, so if values are less than what they used to be in your neighborhood, you can appeal your assessment and save money. An appraisal from Caton Appraisers, LLC is your best evidence when building your case. We're qualified to assist you in disputing your tax assessment.

Let Caton Appraisers, LLC help you do away with PMI to lower your mortgage payment

When the amount being loaned to the buyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the property, many lenders ask home owners to purchase an extra insurance plan. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. This extra payment is often bundled into the monthly mortgage payment and is soon forgotten. This is bad because PMI isn't necessary when the leftover balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - decreases below the 80% mark. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was passed by the United States Congress requiring lenders to remove the PMI installments on most mortgages when the balance is paid down to 78% of the original value.

If you'd like to get rid of PMI, Caton Appraisers, LLC will produce a statement regarding the value of your home. The cost of the home valuation can often 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 Caton Appraisers, LLC

A divorce is an especially traumatic experience for the parties involved, and it is often even more complicated by the burdensome decision of who keeps the home. Regardless of the situation, it's prudent to order an appraisal from Caton Appraisers, LLC so both parties are completely aware of the true market value of their property.

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

Accurate and fair estate liquidation

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

Unlike wealthier individuals, most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to handle these affairs. 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 received a fair deal.

Let Caton Appraisers, LLC help you with relocating to or from Saint Louis County

Employee relocation is a real pain. We know where you're coming from! That's why we take great care in setting up an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our intensive process, we suggest relocating employees to provide feedback on the positive features of their property, as well as information regarding any current sales or listings in their area that they want considered.

Let Caton Appraisers, LLC assist you in selling your home quickly at the right price

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, unlike real estate agents. Our fees depend on our efforts to finish the appraisal report and and aren't related to the sales price.

We determine the difference in value things like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. And we're experts in knowing how long houses are on the market. So, obtaining 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.