Reasons to order an appraisal from Astute Appraisals, Inc.To a lot of us, an appraisal just looks like one more thing on the break-sheet for a mortgage or refinance. And even though there are a multiplying number of automated home valuation methods that may seem more economical than an appraisal, almost all lenders still want a local expert because the stakes are so high. Is getting a mortgage the only reason to get an appraisal? Are there also cases when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional could come in handy? Of course there are. 
Contest your tax assessmentIt's quite possible you're paying too much in property taxes if you live in an area where property values have declined. Ad Valorem taxes are determined by a past assessment of your real estate, so if values have gone down in your area, you can appeal your assessment and save money. An appraisal from Astute Appraisals, Inc. is your best evidence when building your case. At Astute Appraisals, Inc., we're qualified to assist you in disputing your tax assessment. Eliminate PMI to lower your mortgage paymentPrivate Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an added insurance policy that many lenders ask home owners to buy when the amount being loaned to the home buyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the real estate. This additional payment is often lumped into the monthly mortgage payment and is quickly forgotten. PMI isn't required when the remaining balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - goes below the 80% mark, making this very unfavorable. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was passed by the United States Congress requiring lenders to do away with the PMI payments 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 expense of the home valuation can often be offset in little time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Order your appraisal from Astute Appraisals, Inc. today Order onlineGet a fair valuation on a home for divorce settlementsA divorce can be a particularly horrible ordeal for both parties, and it is often even more complicated by the strenuous decision of who keeps the home. Regardless of the situation, it's a good idea to order an appraisal from Astute Appraisals, Inc. so both parties are completely aware of the true market value of their house. The parties will have a a good idea of what price to set, if they need to sell the home. And on the flip side, if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've gotten a fair assessment. Accurate and fair estate liquidationThe death 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 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 many wealthy individuals, most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to handle these affairs. A home or other property often makes up an uneven share of the total estate value, so knowing the true value of the real estate at hand is of significant importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've received an honest deal. Relocate to or from Howard County through an employee relocation programEmployee relocation is a stressful event, and we understand. We take great care in setting up a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide input on the positive characteristics of their property, along with information about any current sales or listings in their area that they want considered during our thorough inspection. Sell your home quickly — for the right priceWhether you decide to sell your home on your own or with the help of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal will 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 price the house sells for. Our fees aren't a percentage of the sales price, but rather they are based on our efforts to finish the appraisal report. On a daily basis, we analyze the difference in value items like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. And we're experts in knowing how long housesare on the market. So, seeking a professional appraisal is a trusted 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. 
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