6 Reasons to choose an appraisal from Pacific Home Inspection & Appraisal

Every year, thousands of people in California buy, sell or refinance their home. Many of these transactions involve a simple line item for an appraisal. And while there are a developing number of automated home valuation processes that may appear to be more cost-effective than an appraisal, nearly all lenders still call for a local expert because the stakes are incredibly high. Is obtaining a mortgage the only reason to get an appraisal? Are there additional instances when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional might be helpful? You bet there are.

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Challenge your tax assessment in Los Angeles County

It's probable you're paying too much in property taxes if you live in an area where property values have declined. Property taxes are based upon a previous assessment of your home, so if values are less than what they used to be in your neighborhood, you can appeal your assessment and save money. When building your case, an appraisal from us is your best evidence. At Pacific Home Inspection & Appraisal, we're equipped to assist you in disputing your tax assessment.

Get rid of PMI to lower your mortgage payment

When the amount being loaned to the home buyeris more than 80% of the actual value of the real estate, most lenders ask home owners to buy this extra insurance plan. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. This extra payment is often bundled into the monthly mortgage payment and is quickly forgotten. This is unfortunate because PMI is no longer required when the leftover 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) that requires lenders to eliminate the PMI installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met.

Pacific Home Inspection & Appraisal can give you a statement regarding the value of your home, and the cost of the home valuation can usually be offset in a short amount of time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

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Settle a divorce with less stress

A divorce is often complicated by the strenuous decision of who keeps the home, and it can be a very daunting occurrence for both parties. Regardless of the circumstances, it's a good idea to get an appraisal from Pacific Home Inspection & Appraisal so both parties are entirely aware of the true market value of their house.

If the parties need 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 gotten a fair assessment.

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 Fair Market Value for the residential property involved. We guarantee the maximum 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 don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to take care of these matters. And since a home or other property often makes up a disproportionate share of the total estate value, understanding the true value of the real estate at hand is of essential importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've received an honest deal.

Relocate to or from Los Angeles County through an employee relocation program

Employee relocation is a stressful event, and we understand. That's why we take great care in organizing an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide remarks on the positive aspects of their property, as well as information about any new sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered during our intensive inspection.

Sell your home promptly — for the right price

A professional appraisal can help you make a more informed decision when determining your selling price, whether you want to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent. An appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for, unlike real estate agents. Our fees aren't a percentage of the sales price, but rather they depend on our efforts to finish the appraisal report.

On a daily basis, we examine the difference in value items like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. Obtaining a professional appraisal is a trusted way to determine 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 properties stay on the market.

Let Pacific Home Inspection & Appraisal help you sell your home quickly at the right price