Reasons to get an appraisal from Appraisal-OneTo a lot of people, an appraisal just looks like a line item on the settlement sheet for a home sale or refinance. And while there are a developing number of automated home valuation processes that might seem more cost-effective than an appraisal, almost all lenders still call in a local expert because the stakes are very high. Is getting a mortgage the only reason to get an appraisal? Are there also times when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional could be beneficial? You bet. 
Challenge your tax assessment in Orange CountyIt's probable you're paying too much in property taxes if you live in an area where property values have depreciated. Ad Valorem taxes are based upon a previous assessment of your home, so if prices have declined in your neighborhood, you can challenge your assessment and save money. When building your case, an appraisal from us is your best evidence. At Appraisal-One, we're equipped to assist you in challenging your tax assessment. PMI removal to reduce a mortgage paymentWhen the amount being loaned to the homebuyeris more than 80% of the actual value of the real estate, almost all lenders ask home buyers to buy this supplemental insurance plan. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. Seeing that added payment is usually bundled into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. This is bad because PMI isn't required when the remaining balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - dips below the 80% level. In fact, the United States Congress implemented a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) requiring lenders to eliminate the PMI payments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. Appraisal-One will provide you with a statement regarding the value of your home, and the price you paid for the appraisal can often be regained in little time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Order your appraisal from Appraisal-One today Order onlineGet a clear valuation on a home for divorce settlementsA divorce can be a very traumatic ordeal for both parties, and it is often further complicated by the strenuous decision of who keeps the house. Regardless of the situation, it's a good idea to get an appraisal from Appraisal-One so both parties are completely aware of the true market value of their home. 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 gotten a fair assessment. 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. The ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) binds us with confidentiality, guaranteeing the maximum degree of discretion. Unlike wealthier individuals, most Americans do not 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 essential importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've received a fair deal. Move to or from Orange County through an employee relocation programWe are familiar with the headaches associated with an employee relocation. We take great care in setting up an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our detailed inspection, we encourage relocating employees to provide feedback on the positive attributes of their property, along with information about any current sales or listings in their area that they want considered. Sell your home quickly — for an accurate priceWhether you want 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. Unlike a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for. Our fees are based on our efforts to complete the appraisal report and and aren't related to the sales price. We examine the difference in value items like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. And we're experts in knowing how long housesstay on the market. So, seeking a professional appraisal is a reliable 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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