Why would you need an appraisal from LightHouse Appraisals?

Year after year, thousands of people in Indiana purchase, sell or refinance their home. Most of these transactions contain a simple line item for an appraisal. Even though there are an increasing number of automated home valuation systems that might appear to be more practical than an appraisal, almost all lenders still call in a local expert because the stakes are so high. But is securing a mortgage the only reason you should get an appraisal? Are there more instances when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional could be beneficial? Absolutely.


	If you're planning on any transaction where the value of your property is a factor, you should contact LightHouse Appraisals. Just click here.

Dispute 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. We're capable of assisting you in challenging your tax assessment.

Let LightHouse Appraisals help you lower your mortgage payment

When the amount being loaned to the home buyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the property, nearly all lenders ask buyers to purchase an additional insurance plan. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. Seeing that additional payment is usually lumped into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. This is unfavorable because PMI is unnecessary when the remainder of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - dips below the 80% mark. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was approved by the United States Congress that requires lenders to eliminate the PMI payments on most mortgages when the balance is paid down to 78% of the original value.

If you'd like to eliminate PMI, LightHouse Appraisals will provide you with a statement regarding the value of your home. The cost of the home valuation can usually be recovered in just a few months 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 even more complicated by the troublesome decision of who gets the property. So both parties are fully aware of the true market value of their property, it's a good idea to get an appraisal from LightHouse Appraisals, regardless of the circumstances.

The parties will have a good 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 evaluation.

Trustworthy estate liquidation

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, guaranteeing the maximum degree of discretion.

Unlike wealthy individuals, most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to manage these affairs. And seeing that a home or other property often makes up an unequal share of the total estate value, knowing the precise value of the real estate at hand is of significant importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've received an honest deal.

Relocating to or from Tippecanoe County?

Moving due to a job change can be a stressful event. We know where you're coming from! That being said, we take great care in setting up an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our thorough process, we encourage employees that are moving to provide input on the positive aspects of their property, as well as information about any new sales or listings in their area that they want considered.

Let LightHouse Appraisals assist you in selling your home quickly at the right price

Whether you want to sell your home on your own or with the help of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal will help you make a more informed decision when determining your selling price. An appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for, unlike real estate agents. Our fees aren't contingent upon the value we report, but rather they are based on our efforts to complete the appraisal.

We analyze the difference in value items like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. Getting a professional appraisal is a trusted way to decide 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 properties are one the market.