Why you should get an appraisal from A.M. AppraisalTo a lot of us, an appraisal just looks like one more thing on the break-sheet for a home purchase or refinance. Even though there are a developing number of automated home valuation methods that may appear more cost-effective than an appraisal, most lenders still call for a local expert because the stakes are so high. Is getting a mortgage the only reason you should get an appraisal? Are there additional cases when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional could come in handy? Of course. 
Contest your tax assessment in Orange CountyIf you are in an area where the property value has declined, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. When building your case, an appraisal from us is your best evidence. At A.M. Appraisal, we're qualified to assist you in disputing your tax assessment. Remove PMI to lower your mortgage paymentWhen the amount being loaned to the homeowneris more than 80% of the actual value of the real estate, most lenders ask home buyers to purchase this supplemental insurance policy. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. This extra payment is often folded into the monthly mortgage payment and is quickly forgotten. This is bad because PMI isn't necessary when the remaining balance 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 passed by the United States Congress that requires lenders to eliminate the PMI payments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. If you'd like to eliminate PMI, A.M. Appraisal can provide you with a statement regarding the value of your home. The price you paid for the appraisal can often be offset in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Order your appraisal from A.M. Appraisal today Order onlineSettle a divorce with less stressA divorce is often complicated by the hard decision of who maintains the house, and it can be an especially traumatic occurrence for both parties. It's a good idea to get an appraisal from A.M. Appraisal so both parties are entirely aware of the true market value of their house, regardless of the situation. If the parties need to sell the home, they'll have a clearer picture of what price to set. And if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've received a fair evaluation. Determine an accurate and fair valuation for estate liquidationLosing a loved one is a painful time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often entails an appraisal to establish Fair 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 manage these affairs. And seeing that a home or other property often makes up a disproportionate share of the total estate value, knowing the true value of the real estate at hand is of vital importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've received an honest deal. Move to or from Orange County for workEmployee relocation is a stressful event, and we understand. That's why we take great care in establishing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our detailed inspection, we recommend relocating employees to provide feedback on the positive attributes of their property, as well as information regarding any recent sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered. Sell your home quickly — at the right priceWhether you decide 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. Apart from a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for. Our fees rest on our efforts to finish the appraisal report and and aren't related to the sales price. On a daily basis, we determine the difference in value things like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. Obtaining a professional appraisal is a trusted 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 an unnecessarily long time, because we're experts in knowing how long properties stay on the market. 
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