Reasons to consider an appraisal from AppraisalWorks

Each year, thousands of people in California buy, sell or refinance their home. Many of these transactions contain a simple line item for an appraisal. While there are a growing number of automated home valuation processes that may appear to be more prudent than an appraisal, most lenders still call for a local expert because the stakes are very high. You might think that obtaining a mortgage is the only reason to acquire an appraisal, but there are additional instances when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional could come in handy.

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Contest your tax assessment

If you are in an area where property values have depreciated, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. An appraisal from AppraisalWorks is your best evidence when building your case. We can assist you in disputing your tax assessment.

Get rid of PMI to lower your mortgage payment

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an added insurance policy that many lenders ask homeowners to purchase when the amount being loaned to the home buyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the property. Oftentimes, this extra payment is bundled into the monthly mortgage payment and is soon forgotten. PMI isn't necessary when the remaining balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - dips below the 80% level, making this very unfavorable. In fact, the United States Congress passed a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) that requires lenders to eliminate the PMI installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met.

AppraisalWorks will provide you with a statement regarding the value of your home, and the cost of the appraisal can generally be offset in a short amount of time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

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Settle a divorce with less stress

A divorce is often complicated by the challenging decision of who gets the house, and it can be a very daunting ordeal for both parties. So both parties are entirely aware of the true market value of their property, it's a good idea to get an appraisal from AppraisalWorks, regardless of the circumstances.

The parties will have a good idea of what price to set, if they need to sell the home. And if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've received a fair assessment.

Accurate and fair estate liquidation

Losing 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. The ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) binds us with confidentiality, guaranteeing the fullest degree of discretion.

Unlike many wealthy individuals, most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to manage these matters. A home or other property often makes up a disproportionate 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 Los Angeles County through an employee relocation program

We know the headaches involved with an employee relocation. We take great care in organizing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our detailed inspection, we encourage relocating employees to provide remarks on the positive attributes of their property, along with information regarding any current sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered.

Close on your home promptly — for the right price

A professional appraisal will help you make a better educated decision regarding your selling price, whether you choose to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent. An appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for, apart from real estate agents. Our fees aren't related to the sales price, but rather they are based on our efforts to finish the appraisal report.

On a daily basis, we analyze the difference in value items like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. Seeking 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 homes are one the market.

Let AppraisalWorks assist you in selling your home quickly at the right price