Reasons to get an appraisalTo many, an appraisal is simply a line item on the break-sheet for a home purchase or refinance. Practically all lenders still call in a local expert because the stakes are so high, even though there are a multiplying number of automated home valuation methods that may appear less expensive than an appraisal. You might assume that obtaining 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 come in handy. 
Contest your tax assessmentIt's likely you're paying too much in property taxes if you reside in an area where property values have declined. Ad Valorem taxes are based upon a previous assessment of your real estate, so if values have gone down in your neighborhood, you can appeal your assessment and save money. When building your case, an appraisal from us is your best evidence. We're qualified to assist you in disputing your tax assessment. PMI removal to reduce a mortgage paymentPrivate Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is a supplemental insurance plan that nearly all lenders ask homeowners to purchase when the amount being loaned to the home owner is more than 80% of the actual value of the home. Oftentimes, this extra payment is folded into the monthly mortgage payment and is promptly forgotten. PMI is unnecessary when the remaining balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - decreases below the 80% mark, making this very unfortunate. In fact, the United States Congress passed a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) that requires lenders to eliminate the PMI payments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. Appraisal First, Inc. can provide you with a statement regarding the value of your home, and the expense of the appraisal can often be regained in little time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Order an appraisal from Appraisal First, Inc. Order onlineSettle a divorce with fewer hang-upsA divorce can be a very daunting event for both parties, and it is often more complicated by the difficult decision of who maintains the property. So both parties are fully aware of the true market value of their house, it's a good idea to order an appraisal from Appraisal First, Inc., regardless of the situation. The parties will have a better idea of what price to set, if they wish 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 death of a loved one is a hard time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often requires an appraisal to establish Fair Market Value for the residential property involved. We guarantee the highest 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 manage these affairs. A home or other property often makes up a disproportionate share of the total estate value, so knowing the true value of the real estate at hand is of significant importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've received an honest deal. Move to or from Greene County for workWe are aware of the stress associated with an employee relocation. That's why we take great care in establishing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide remarks on the positive characteristics of their property, as well as information regarding any current sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered during our detailed inspection. Close on your home quickly — for the right priceWhether you decide to sell your home on your own or with the help of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal can help you make a better educated decision when determining your asking 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 finish the appraisal report and and aren't related to the sales price. On a daily basis, we determine the difference in value items like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. And we're experts in knowing how long homesstay on the market. So, getting 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. 
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