Reasons someone would need The Stroud Company

Year after year, thousands of people in Texas purchase, sell or refinance their home. Many of these transactions consist of a simple line item for an appraisal. And while there are a multiplying number of automated home valuation methods that might seem more cost-effective than an appraisal, most lenders still want a local expert because the stakes are very high. You might assume that obtaining a mortgage is the only reason you should get an appraisal, but there are other times when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional might be helpful.

Contact The Stroud Company if you're planning on any transaction where the value of your real estate is a factor. Just click here

Appeal your tax assessment in Dallas County

It's likely you're paying too much in property taxes if you live in an area where property values have depreciated. Property taxes are based upon a previous assessment of your house, so if prices have gone down in your area, you can challenge your assessment and save money. When building your case, an appraisal from The Stroud Company is your best evidence. At The Stroud Company, we're capable of assisting you in appealing your tax assessment.

Let The Stroud Company help you eliminate PMI to lower your mortgage payment

When the amount being loaned to the homebuyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the home, almost all lenders ask homebuyers to take out an extra insurance policy. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. More often than not, this added payment is lumped into the monthly mortgage payment and is quickly forgotten. This is bad because PMI isn't required when the remaining balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - dips below the 80% mark. In fact, the United States Congress implemented a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) requiring lenders to eliminate the PMI installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met.

If you'd like to do away with PMI, The Stroud Company can produce a statement regarding the value of your home. The cost of the appraisal can generally be recovered in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Divorce settlement with less stress

A divorce is a particularly traumatic ordeal for the parties involved, and it is often further complicated by the burdensome decision of who keeps the home. Regardless of the circumstances, it's a good idea to order an appraisal from The Stroud Company 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 need to sell the home. And if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've received a fair assessment.

Accurate and fair estate liquidation

Losing a loved one is a painful 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. We guarantee the fullest degree of discretion, as we're bound with confidentiality by the ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).

Most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to take care of these issues, unlike wealthier individuals. And since a home or other property often makes up a disproportionate 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 a fair deal.

Let The Stroud Company help you with relocating to or from Dallas County

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

Sell your home quickly at the right price with an appraisal from The Stroud Company

A professional appraisal can help you make a better educated decision regarding your selling price, whether you decide to sell your home on your own or with the help of a real estate agent. Separate from a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for. Our fees aren't related to the sales price, but rather they are calculated on our efforts to complete the appraisal.

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 homes are on the market. So, getting 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 for an extended amount of time.