Reasons you should order an appraisal from Astute Appraisals, Inc.To a lot of us, an appraisal just looks like a line item on the break-sheet for a home sale or refinance. Most lenders still want a local expert because the stakes are incredibly high, even though there are a multiplying number of automated home valuation methods that might seem cheaper than an appraisal. Is obtaining a mortgage the only basis for getting an appraisal? Are there additional situations when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional could be beneficial? Absolutely. 
Appeal your tax assessmentIf you reside in an area where the value of property has depreciated, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. When building your case, an appraisal from us is your best evidence. At Astute Appraisals, Inc., we're equipped to assist you in disputing your tax assessment. PMI removal to lower your mortgage paymentWhen the amount being loaned to the homeowneris more than 80% of the actual value of the real estate, almost all lenders ask homeowners to purchase this supplemental insurance policy. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. More often than not, this extra payment is bundled into the monthly mortgage payment and is promptly forgotten. PMI isn't 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 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. Astute Appraisals, Inc. can provide you with a statement regarding the value of your home, and the cost of the appraisal can often be regained in little time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Get your appraisal from Astute Appraisals, Inc. Order todayDivorce settlement with fewer hang-upsA divorce is often complicated by the troublesome decision of who keeps the home, and it can be a very traumatic occurrence 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 Astute Appraisals, Inc., regardless of the situation. 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 evaluation. Accurate and fair estate liquidationThe 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 Fair Market Value for the real estate involved. We ensure the highest degree of discretion, as we're bound with confidentiality by the ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). Most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to take care of these affairs, unlike wealthy individuals. And seeing that a home or other property often makes up an uneven share of the total estate value, knowing the true value of the real estate at hand is of significant importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've received a fair deal. Relocate to or from Howard County for workEmployee 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 thorough inspection, we encourage relocating employees to provide input on the positive aspects of their property, as well as information regarding any new sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered. Sell your home promptly — at the right priceWhether you decide to sell your home on your own or with the help of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal can help you make a more informed decision regarding your selling price. An appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for, apart from real estate agents. Our fees aren't related to the sales price, but rather they rest on our efforts to finish the appraisal report. We determine the difference in value items like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. And we're experts in knowing how long homesare on the market. So, obtaining a professional appraisal is a trusted way to determine 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. 
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