Why you should hire an appraiser

To a lot of us, an appraisal just looks like another cost in the long list of items for a home sale or refinance. And while there are an increasing number of automated home valuation methods that may seem more practical than an appraisal, the majority of lenders still call in a local expert because the stakes are very high. You might think that obtaining a mortgage is the only reason to acquire an appraisal, but there are more situations when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional might be helpful.

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Dispute your tax assessment

If you are in an area where the value of property has declined, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. When building your case, an appraisal from us is your best evidence. At MacBride Appraisal, we're capable of assisting you in disputing your tax assessment.

PMI removal to lower your mortgage payment

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an extra insurance policy that almost all lenders ask homebuyers to buy when the amount being loaned to the buyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the real estate. Since the extra payment is usually bundled into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. This is bad because PMI is unnecessary when the leftover balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - dips below the 80% mark. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was implemented by the United States Congress that requires lenders to eliminate the PMI installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met.

MacBride Appraisal will produce a statement regarding the value of your home, and the cost of the home valuation can generally be offset in a short amount of time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

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Get a fair valuation on a home take make a divorce settlement less stressful

A divorce is often complicated by the troublesome decision of who maintains the house, and it can be an especially daunting ordeal for both parties. Regardless of the circumstances, it's a good idea to get an appraisal from MacBride Appraisal so both parties are completely aware of the true market value of their house.

If the parties wish to sell the home, they'll have a clearer picture 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.

Determine an accurate and fair valuation for estate liquidation

The death of 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. The ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) binds us with confidentiality, ensuring the fullest degree of discretion.

Unlike wealthy individuals, most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to handle these affairs. And since a home or other property often makes up a disproportionate share of the total estate value, knowing the true value of the real estate at hand is of significant importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've gotten a fair deal.

Move to or from San Diego County through an employee relocation program

Employee relocation can be a stressful event, and we understand. That's why we take great care in organizing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our thorough 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.

Close on your home quickly — at an accurate price

Whether you want 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 regarding your selling price. An appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for, unlike real estate agents. Our fees aren't related to the sales price, but rather they rest on our efforts to finish the appraisal report.

On a daily basis, we analyze the difference in value items like an additional 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 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, because we're experts in knowing how long properties stay on the market.

Let MacBride Appraisal assist you in selling your home quickly at the right price