Year after year, thousands of people in California purchase, sell or refinance their home. Many of these transactions involve a simple line item for an appraisal. Almost all lenders still call in a local expert because the stakes are so high, even though there are a budding number of automated home valuation methods that may appear more prudent than an appraisal. But is getting a mortgage the only reason you should get an appraisal? Are there also times when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional might be beneficial? You bet.
For real estate appraisals in Long Beach or Los Angeles and Orange County, it's easiest when your order online from Appraisal Care, just click here.
Appeal your tax assessment in Los Angeles and Orange County
It's probable you're paying too much in property taxes if you reside in an area where property values have declined. Property taxes are determined by a previous assessment of your real estate, so if prices are less than what they used to be in your neighborhood, you can challenge your assessment and save money. An appraisal from Appraisal Care is your best evidence when building your case. We're qualified to assist you in disputing your tax assessment.
Let Appraisal Care help you do away with PMI to lower your mortgage payment
Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an extra insurance policy that nearly all lenders ask homebuyers to purchase when the amount being loaned to the buyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the property. Since the additional payment is usually bundled into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. This is damaging because PMI isn't required when the remainder of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - goes below the 80% level. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was approved by the United States Congress requiring lenders to eliminate the PMI payments on most mortgages when the balance is paid down to 78% of the original value.
Appraisal Care can produce a statement regarding the value of your home, and the cost of the appraisal can generally be recovered in little time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.
An appraisal from Appraisal Care will help you settle a divorce with less stress
A divorce is often complicated by the strenuous decision of who keeps the property, and it can be a particularly heartbreaking event for both parties. So both parties are fully aware of the true market value of their house, it's a good idea to get an appraisal from Appraisal Care, regardless of the circumstances.
If the parties want to sell the home, they'll have a clearer picture of what price to set. 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 loss of a loved one is a painful time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often requires an appraisal to establish 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 many wealthy 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 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 leave knowing they've gotten a fair deal.
Relocating to or from Los Angeles County?
Employee relocation is a real pain, and we understand. That being said, we take great care in setting up an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide remarks on the positive aspects of their property, along with information regarding any current sales or listings in their area that they want considered during our detailed process.
Let Appraisal Care assist you in selling your home quickly at the right price
Whether you want to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal can help you make a more informed decision regarding your asking price. An appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for, unlike real estate agents. Our fees aren't contingent upon the value we report, but rather they rest on our efforts to finish the appraisal.
On a daily basis, we analyze the difference in value items like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. Getting a professional appraisal is a reliable 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 - because we're experts in knowing how long homes are one the market.
