6 Reasons to choose an appraisal from James M Hanson Associates, IncTo a lot of people, an appraisal just looks like another fee on the break-sheet for a mortgage or refinance. Most lenders still call for a local expert because the stakes are so high, even though there are a developing number of automated home valuation processes that may seem more economical than an appraisal. You might think that securing a mortgage is the only reason you should get an appraisal, but there are other cases when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional could come in handy. ![]() Contest your tax assessment in Cape May CountyIf you live in an area where the property value 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 James M Hanson Associates, Inc, we're capable of assisting you in challenging your tax assessment. Removing PMI for mortgage paymentsPrivate Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an added insurance policy that most lenders ask home owners to purchase when the amount being loaned to the home buyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the property. This added payment is often lumped into the monthly mortgage payment and is quickly forgotten. PMI is unnecessary when the leftover balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - decreases below the 80% level, making this very unfortunate. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was invoked by the United States Congress that requires lenders to eliminate the PMI payments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. If you'd like to eliminate PMI, James M Hanson Associates, Inc can provide you with a statement regarding the value of your home. The expense of the appraisal can usually be offset in little time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Order an appraisal from James M Hanson Associates, Inc Order onlineDivorce settlement with fewer hang-upsA divorce is a very daunting ordeal for the parties involved, and it is often even more complicated by the troublesome decision of who gets the house. So both parties are fully aware of the true market value of their house, it's a good idea to order an appraisal from James M Hanson Associates, Inc, regardless of the situation. If the parties wish to sell the home, they'll have a better 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. Determine a fair and accurate valuation for estate liquidationThe death of a loved one is a painful time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often calls for an appraisal to establish Fair Market Value for the residential property involved. We ensure 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 wealthy individuals, most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to take care of these affairs. A home or other property often makes up an unequal share of the total estate value, so knowing the true value of the real estate at hand is of vital importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've received an honest deal. Relocate to or from Cape May County through an employee relocation programWe understand the stress involved with an employee relocation. That being said, we take great care in establishing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide input on the positive aspects of their property, along with information about any recent sales or listings in their area that they want considered during our detailed inspection. Sell your home promptly — 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 can help you make a better educated decision regarding your selling price. Apart from a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for. Our fees depend on our efforts to finish the appraisal report and not a percentage of the sales price. On a daily basis, we examine the difference in value items like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. Getting 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 are one the market. ![]() |