Let The Appraisal Firm attend to your appraisal needs

Thousands of people in California buy, sell or refinance their home every year. Most of these transactions include a simple line item for an appraisal. Even though there are an increasing number of automated home valuation systems that may seem more cost-effective than an appraisal, almost all lenders still call in a local expert because the stakes are so high. Is getting a mortgage the only reason to get an appraisal? Are there also instances when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional might be helpful? Of course there are.

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Challenge your tax assessment in San Diego County

If you are 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 The Appraisal Firm, we're equipped to assist you in disputing your tax assessment.

PMI removal to lower a mortgage payment

When the amount being loaned to the home buyeris more than 80% of the actual value of the home, almost all lenders ask home owners to purchase this extra insurance plan. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. Since the extra payment is usually lumped into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. This is unfortunate because PMI is unnecessary when the remaining balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - falls below the 80% mark. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was invoked by the United States Congress that requires lenders to dismiss the PMI installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met.

If you'd like to do away with PMI, The Appraisal Firm will give you a statement regarding the value of your home. The price you paid for the home valuation can usually be regained in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

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Divorce settlement with fewer hang-ups

A divorce is often complicated by the hard decision of who maintains the home, and it can be a particularly daunting ordeal for both parties. It's a good idea to get an appraisal from The Appraisal Firm so both parties are fully aware of the true market value of their property, regardless of the situation.

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 evaluation.

Accurate and fair estate liquidation

The death of a loved one is a hard 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. 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 wealthier individuals, most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to manage these issues. A home or other property often makes up a disproportionate 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 received an honest deal.

Relocate to or from San Diego County through an employee relocation program

Employee relocation is a stressful event, and we understand. That being said, we take great care in setting up an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our intensive inspection, we suggest relocating employees to provide feedback on the positive aspects of their property, along with information regarding any current sales or listings in their area that they want considered.

Sell your home promptly — at an accurate price

Whether you choose 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 selling price. Apart from a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for. Our fees aren't a percentage of the sales price, but rather they depend on our efforts to complete the appraisal report.

We determine the difference in value things like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. And we're experts in knowing how long propertiesare on the market. So, obtaining a professional appraisal is a reliable 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.

Let The Appraisal Firm help you sell your home quickly at the right price