Reasons to hire an appraiserTo many, an appraisal is simply a line item on the break-sheet for a mortgage or refinance. While there are a budding number of automated home valuation systems that may appear to be more prudent than an appraisal, most lenders still call for a local expert because the stakes are so high. Is obtaining a mortgage the only reason to acquire an appraisal? Are there additional cases when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional could be beneficial? You bet. 
Appeal your tax assessmentIf you reside in an area where the property value has declined, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. When building your case, an appraisal from us is your best evidence. At Property One Appraisals, we're qualified to assist you in disputing your tax assessment. Removing PMI for mortgage paymentsWhen the amount being loaned to the homeowneris more than 80% of the actual value of the real estate, nearly all lenders ask home owners to buy this extra insurance policy. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. Since the added payment is usually bundled into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. PMI isn't necessary when the leftover balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - falls 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) requiring lenders to dismiss the PMI payments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. If you'd like to get rid of PMI, Property One Appraisals can give you 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 your appraisal from Property One Appraisals today Order onlineDivorce settlement with fewer hang-upsA divorce is often complicated by the troublesome decision of who gets the property, and it can be an especially horrible ordeal for both parties. So both parties are completely aware of the true market value of their property, it's a good idea to order an appraisal from Property One Appraisals, regardless of the circumstances. If the parties need to sell the home, they'll have a a good idea of what price to set. And on the flip side, if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've received a fair assessment. Fair and accurate 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. We guarantee the fullest 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 handle these issues. A home or other property often makes up an uneven share of the total estate value, so understanding the true value of the real estate at hand is of significant importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've gotten an honest deal. Move to or from Orange County for workWe are aware of the stress associated with an employee relocation. We take great care in setting up a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our intensive inspection, we encourage relocating employees to provide feedback on the positive attributes of their property, along with information regarding any new sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered. Close on your home quickly — at an accurate priceA professional appraisal can help you make a better educated decision regarding your selling price, whether you want to sell your home on your own or with the help of a real estate agent. An appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for, unlike real estate agents. Our fees aren't related to the sales price, but rather they are calculated on our efforts to finish the appraisal report. We examine the difference in value items like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. Obtaining a professional appraisal is a trusted 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, because we're experts in knowing how long properties stay on the market. 
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