Reasons to order an appraisalTo a lot of us, an appraisal is simply another cost in the long list of items for a mortgage or refinance. Even though there are a multiplying number of automated home valuation systems that may appear more prudent than an appraisal, most lenders still need a local expert because the stakes are so high. You might assume that securing a mortgage is the only basis for getting an appraisal, but there are other instances when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional might be helpful. 
Appeal your tax assessmentIt's quite possible you're paying too much in property taxes if you reside in an area where property values have depreciated. Property taxes are based upon a past assessment of your home, so if values have gone down in your area, you can appeal your assessment and save money. An appraisal from Barnstable/Plymouth Appraisal Services is your best evidence when building your case. We can assist you in appealing your tax assessment. Get rid of PMI to lower your mortgage paymentWhen the amount being loaned to the homeowneris more than 80% of the actual value of the property, most lenders ask homeowners to buy this additional insurance plan. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. Very often, this extra payment is lumped into the monthly mortgage payment and is soon forgotten. This is bad because PMI isn't required when the remainder of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - decreases 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 get rid of PMI, Barnstable/Plymouth Appraisal Services will provide you with a statement regarding the value of your home. The expense of the appraisal can usually be offset in a short amount of time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Order an appraisal from Barnstable/Plymouth Appraisal Services Order onlineDivorce settlement with less stressA divorce can be an especially traumatic event for both parties, and it is often even more complicated by the hard decision of who maintains 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 Barnstable/Plymouth Appraisal Services, regardless of the circumstances. The parties will have a clearer picture of what price to set, if they need to sell the home. And on the flip side, if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've received a fair evaluation. Fair and accurate estate liquidationLosing a loved one is a hard 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. We guarantee the utmost degree of discretion, as we're bound with confidentiality by the ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). Unlike wealthy individuals, most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to take care of these issues. A home or other property often makes up an uneven share of the total estate value, so understanding the true worth of the real estate at hand is of significant importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've gotten an honest deal. Relocate to or from County for workEmployee relocation is a stressful event, and we understand. We take great care in setting up an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our intensive inspection, we recommend relocating employees to provide input on the positive features of their property, as well as information about any current sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered. Close on your home promptly — 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 more informed 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 depend on our efforts to complete the appraisal report and not a percentage of the sales price. On a daily basis, we examine the difference in value items like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. Obtaining 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 an unnecessarily long time, because we're experts in knowing how long houses stay on the market. 
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