Why you should order an appraisalTo many, an appraisal is simply one more thing on the break-sheet for a home purchase or refinance. Most lenders still call for a local expert because the stakes are very high, even though there are an increasing number of automated home valuation methods that might appear to be more prudent than an appraisal. You might think that getting a mortgage is the only reason to acquire an appraisal, but there are other instances when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional might be helpful. ![]() Challenge your tax assessmentIf you are in an area where property values have declined, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. When building your case, an appraisal from us is your best evidence. We can assist you in challenging your tax assessment. Getting rid of your PMI for mortgage paymentsPrivate Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an extra insurance policy that nearly all lenders ask homeowners to purchase when the amount being loaned to the homebuyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the property. Oftentimes, this additional payment is lumped into the monthly mortgage payment and is promptly forgotten. PMI is no longer required when the remainder of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - falls below the 80% mark, making this very unfavorable. In fact, the United States Congress invoked a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) that requires lenders to dismiss the PMI installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. If you'd like to eliminate PMI, EAC Real Estate Ventures & Appraisals will provide you with a statement regarding the value of your home. The price you paid for the home valuation can generally be regained in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Order an appraisal from EAC Real Estate Ventures & Appraisals Order todayGet a fair valuation on a home take make a divorce settlement less stressfulA divorce is often complicated by the hard decision of who keeps the property, and it can be a very horrible event for both parties. It's a good idea to order an appraisal from EAC Real Estate Ventures & Appraisals so both parties are completely aware of the true market value of their home, regardless of the circumstances. The parties will have a better idea 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 gotten a fair evaluation. Ascertain an accurate and fair valuation for estate liquidationLosing a loved one is a difficult 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 utmost degree of discretion. Unlike wealthier individuals, most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to take care of these issues. 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 essential importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've gotten an honest deal. Move to or from Massachusetts through an employee relocation programWe know the stress involved with an employee relocation. That being said, we take great care in organizing an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our intensive inspection, we suggest relocating employees to provide remarks on the positive characteristics of their property, as well as information regarding any new sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered. Close on your home quickly — at an accurate priceWhether you choose to sell your home on your own or with the help of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal will help you make a more informed decision when determining your asking price. An appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for, unlike real estate agents. Our fees aren't related to the sales price, but rather they rest on our efforts to complete the appraisal report. 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 homes are on the market. So, seeking a professional appraisal is a trusted way to determine 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. ![]() |