Reasons to order an appraisalEvery year, thousands of people in Massachusetts buy, sell or refinance their home. A lot of these transactions contain a simple line item for an appraisal. And while there are a growing number of automated home valuation methods that might seem more economical than an appraisal, the majority of lenders still need a local expert because the stakes are so high. You might assume that obtaining a mortgage is the only reason to get an appraisal, but there are additional times when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional might come in handy. Appeal your tax assessment in CountyIt's quite possible you're paying too much in property taxes if you reside in an area where property values have depreciated. Ad Valorem taxes are based upon a past assessment of your home, so if prices have declined in your area, you can challenge your assessment and save money. When building your case, an appraisal from us is your best evidence. We're qualified to assist you in challenging your tax assessment. Remove PMI to lower your mortgage paymentWhen the amount being loaned to the buyeris more than 80% of the actual value of the real estate, nearly all lenders ask home buyers to purchase this added insurance plan. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. This extra payment is often bundled into the monthly mortgage payment and is quickly forgotten. PMI is no longer required when the leftover balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - decreases below the 80% level, 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 remove the PMI payments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. Barnstable/Plymouth Appraisal Services will provide you with a statement regarding the value of your home, and the expense of the home valuation can often be offset in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Order an appraisal from Barnstable/Plymouth Appraisal Services Order onlineGet a clear valuation on a home for divorce settlementsA divorce is often complicated by the troublesome decision of who maintains the property, and it can be a particularly horrible occurrence for both parties. Regardless of the situation, it's a good idea to get an appraisal from Barnstable/Plymouth Appraisal Services so both parties are completely aware of the true market value of their house. 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 received a fair assessment. Ascertain an accurate and fair valuation for estate liquidationThe death of a loved one is a difficult 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, guaranteeing the fullest degree of discretion. Most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to manage these affairs, unlike wealthy individuals. A home or other property often makes up an uneven share of the total estate value, so knowing the true worth of the real estate at hand is of essential importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've received an honest deal. Move to or from County through an employee relocation programWe are aware of the stress associated with an employee relocation. We take great care in organizing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our intensive inspection, we recommend relocating employees to provide remarks on the positive attributes of their property, along with information about any current sales or listings in their area that they want considered. Close on your home quickly — at an accurate priceWhether 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 selling price. Unlike a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for. Our fees aren't a percentage of the sales price, but rather they rest on our efforts to finish the appraisal report. We analyze the difference in value items like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. Obtaining a professional appraisal is a trusted way to decide what improvements will add value and what a suitable 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 stay on the market. |