Why you should order an appraisal from A.M. AppraisalTo many, an appraisal just looks like a line item in the long list of items for a mortgage or refinance. Nearly all lenders still call in a local expert because the stakes are very high, even though there are a budding number of automated home valuation methods that may appear to be cheaper than an appraisal. You might believe that getting a mortgage is the only basis for getting an appraisal, but there are more instances when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional might be beneficial. ![]() Appeal your tax assessment in Orange CountyIf you reside in an area where property values have declined, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. An appraisal from A.M. Appraisal is your best evidence when building your case. At A.M. Appraisal, we're capable of assisting you in appealing your tax assessment. Eliminating PMI for mortgage paymentsPrivate Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an extra insurance plan that almost all lenders ask home buyers to buy when the amount being loaned to the home owner is more than 80% of the actual value of the home. This added payment is often bundled into the monthly mortgage payment and is promptly forgotten. This is unfavorable because PMI is no longer required when the remainder of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - goes below the 80% level. In fact, the United States Congress invoked a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) requiring lenders to do away with the PMI payments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. A.M. Appraisal will give you a statement regarding the value of your home, and the price you paid for the appraisal can usually be recovered in a short amount of time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Order an appraisal from A.M. Appraisal Order todayGet a fair valuation on a home for divorce settlementsA divorce is often complicated by the troublesome decision of who keeps the house, and it can be a very horrible ordeal for both parties. So both parties are fully aware of the true market value of their property, it's a good idea to order an appraisal from A.M. Appraisal, regardless of the circumstances. 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 evaluation. Ascertain a fair and accurate valuation for estate liquidationThe loss of a loved one is a difficult time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often calls for an appraisal to establish Fair Market Value for the real estate involved. We ensure 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 handle these issues, unlike wealthier individuals. And since a home or other property often makes up an unequal share of the total estate value, understanding the true worth of the real estate at hand is of significant importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've gotten a fair deal. Move to or from Orange County for workWe are aware of the headaches associated with an employee relocation. We take great care in establishing an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our intensive inspection, we recommend relocating employees to provide input on the positive characteristics of their property, along with information regarding any current sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered. Close on your home quickly — at the right priceWhether you want to sell your home on your own or with the help of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal can help you make a more informed decision when determining your selling price. Unlike a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for. Our fees are calculated on our efforts to complete 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 propertiesstay on the market. So, obtaining a professional appraisal is a reliable 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. ![]() |