6 Reasons to choose an appraisal from Curtis Bay Area AppraisalsThousands of people in California purchase, sell or refinance their home every month. A lot of these transactions involve a simple line item for an appraisal. The majority of lenders still call in a local expert because the stakes are so high, even though there are a budding number of automated home valuation methods that may appear to be more economical than an appraisal. You might think that obtaining a mortgage is the only reason to get an appraisal, but there are other situations when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional might be beneficial. ![]() Challenge your tax assessment in Contra Costa CountyIt's possible you're paying too much in property taxes if you reside in an area where property values have depreciated. Ad Valorem taxes are based upon a past assessment of your house, so if values have gone down in your area, you can appeal your assessment and save money. When building your case, an appraisal from us is your best evidence. At Curtis Bay Area Appraisals, we're capable of assisting you in disputing your tax assessment. Remove PMI to lower your mortgage paymentWhen the amount being loaned to the home buyeris more than 80% of the actual value of the home, many lenders ask homebuyers to buy this added insurance plan. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. Seeing that extra payment is usually bundled into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. This is unfortunate because PMI becomes unnecessary when the remainder of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - goes below the 80% mark. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was invoked 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, Curtis Bay Area Appraisals can give you a statement regarding the value of your home. The price you paid for the appraisal can often be regained in little time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Order an appraisal from Curtis Bay Area Appraisals Order todayGet a fair valuation on a home for divorce settlementsA divorce can be a very traumatic experience for both parties, and it is often even more complicated by the strenuous decision of who gets the property. It's a good idea to order an appraisal from Curtis Bay Area Appraisals so both parties are completely aware of the true market value of their home, regardless of the situation. 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 received a fair evaluation. 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 requires 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 fullest degree of discretion. Most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to take care of these matters, unlike wealthier individuals. And since a home or other property often makes up an uneven share of the total estate value, knowing the true worth 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 Contra Costa County for workEmployee relocation can be 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 attributes of their property, along with information about any current sales or listings in their area that they want considered during our intensive inspection. Sell your home promptly — at an accurate priceA professional appraisal will help you make a more informed decision regarding your asking price, whether you choose to sell your home on your own or with the help of a real estate agent. An appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for, apart from real estate agents. Our fees aren't a percentage of the sales price, but rather they rest on our efforts to complete the appraisal report. We examine the difference in value items like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. 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 homes are one the market. ![]() |