6 Reasons to choose an appraisal from Cape Appraisal & Consulting Services, LLC

To many, an appraisal just looks like another cost on the settlement sheet for a mortgage or refinance. Nearly all lenders still call for a local expert because the stakes are so high, even though there are an increasing number of automated home valuation processes that might appear to be more economical than an appraisal. Is obtaining a mortgage the only basis for getting an appraisal? Are there also situations when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional could be helpful? Of course.

Let Cape Appraisal & Consulting Services, LLC help you lower your mortgage payment

Challenge your tax assessment in Cape May County

It's likely you're paying too much in property taxes if you reside in an area where property values have declined. Property taxes are based upon a previous assessment of your real estate, so if values have gone down in your neighborhood, you can challenge your assessment and save money. An appraisal from Cape Appraisal & Consulting Services, LLC is your best evidence when building your case. We can assist you in disputing your tax assessment.

Eliminate PMI to lower your mortgage payment

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an extra insurance policy that many lenders ask homebuyers to purchase when the amount being loaned to the home owner is more than 80% of the actual value of the property. This additional payment is often folded into the monthly mortgage payment and is quickly forgotten. PMI isn't necessary when the leftover balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - falls below the 80% mark, making this very unfavorable. In fact, the United States Congress implemented a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) that requires lenders to eliminate the PMI payments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met.

Cape Appraisal & Consulting Services, LLC will provide you with a statement regarding the value of your home, and the cost of the appraisal can usually be offset in little time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

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Get a fair valuation on a home for divorce settlements

A divorce can be an especially daunting experience for both parties, and it is often even more complicated by the hard decision of who maintains the property. Regardless of the situation, it's a good idea to order an appraisal from Cape Appraisal & Consulting Services, LLC so both parties are fully aware of the true market value of their house.

The parties will have a better 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 evaluation.

Accurate and fair estate liquidation

The death of a loved one is a hard time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often calls for 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, ensuring the highest degree of discretion.

Most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to take care of these issues, unlike wealthier individuals. And since a home or other property often makes up an uneven share of the total estate value, understanding the true value of the real estate at hand is of vital importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've gotten a fair deal.

Relocate to or from Cape May County for work

Employee relocation is a stressful event, and we understand. We take great care in organizing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide feedback on the positive aspects of their property, along with information about any current sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered during our intensive inspection.

Sell your home promptly — for an accurate price

Whether you choose 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 price the house sells for. Our fees aren't related to the sales price, but rather they are based on our efforts to finish the appraisal report.

On a daily basis, we examine the difference in value items like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. And we're experts in knowing how long propertiesstay on the market. So, obtaining a professional appraisal is a reliable way to decide what improvements will add value and what a suitable sales price is for your home so you don't come up short or have your house on the market an unnecessarily long time.

Let Cape Appraisal & Consulting Services, LLC assist you in selling your home quickly at the right price