Reasons to get an appraisal from Petersen AppraisalTo many, an appraisal just looks like a line item on the settlement sheet for a mortgage or refinance. And while there are a developing number of automated home valuation systems that might appear to be more economical than an appraisal, most lenders still want a local expert because the stakes are so high. You might think that securing a mortgage is the only reason to get an appraisal, but there are additional situations when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional might be beneficial. 
Contest your tax assessmentIf you are in an area where the property value has declined, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. An appraisal from Petersen Appraisal is your best evidence when building your case. At Petersen Appraisal, we're capable of assisting you in challenging your tax assessment. Get rid of PMI to lower your mortgage paymentWhen the amount being loaned to the buyeris more than 80% of the actual value of the home, many lenders ask buyers to buy this supplemental insurance policy. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. This additional payment is often folded into the monthly mortgage payment and is soon forgotten. PMI becomes unnecessary when the leftover balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - goes below the 80% level, making this very unfortunate. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was passed by the United States Congress that requires lenders to do away with the PMI payments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. If you'd like to do away with PMI, Petersen Appraisal will produce a statement regarding the value of your home. The expense of the home valuation can generally be recovered in little time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Order an appraisal from Petersen Appraisal Order todayDivorce settlement with fewer hang-upsA divorce is often complicated by the strenuous decision of who keeps the home, and it can be a very daunting experience for both parties. So both parties are entirely aware of the true market value of their property, it's a good idea to order an appraisal from Petersen Appraisal, regardless of the circumstances. If the parties wish 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 assessment. Fair and accurate estate liquidationLosing a loved one is a difficult time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often entails an appraisal to establish Fair 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 manage these issues. And seeing that a home or other property often makes up a disproportionate share of the total estate value, knowing the true worth of the real estate at hand is of significant importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've gotten an honest deal. Relocate to or from York County for workWe are familiar with the headaches involved with an employee relocation. We take great care in organizing an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our detailed inspection, we suggest relocating employees to provide input on the positive characteristics of their property, as well as information regarding any new sales or listings in their area that they want considered. Close on your home quickly — 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 will help you make a more informed decision when determining your selling price. An appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for, apart from real estate agents. Our fees rest on our efforts to complete the appraisal report and not a percentage of the sales price. On a daily basis, we determine the difference in value things like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. And we're experts in knowing how long homesstay on the market. So, obtaining a professional appraisal is a trusted way to decide 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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