Why you should order an appraisalTo a lot of us, an appraisal is simply one more thing in the long list of items for a home purchase or refinance. And while there are a multiplying number of automated home valuation processes that might appear cheaper than an appraisal, the majority of 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 other times when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional might come in handy? You bet. 
Contest your tax assessment in Monroe CountyIt's quite possible you're paying too much in property taxes if you live in an area where property values have declined. Ad Valorem taxes are based upon a previous assessment of your house, so if prices have gone down in your area, you can challenge your assessment and save money. When building your case, an appraisal from us is your best evidence. We're capable of assisting you in disputing your tax assessment. PMI removal to lower a mortgage paymentPrivate Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an added insurance policy that many lenders ask homeowners to buy when the amount being loaned to the home owner is more than 80% of the actual value of the real estate. Since the additional payment is usually lumped into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. This is unfavorable because PMI isn't required when the remaining balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - goes below the 80% mark. In fact, the United States Congress invoked a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) requiring lenders to eliminate the PMI installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. Barefoot Appraisal will produce a statement regarding the value of your home, and the cost of the appraisal can generally be offset in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Order an appraisal from Barefoot Appraisal Order onlineDivorce settlement with fewer hang-upsA divorce is a very daunting experience for the parties involved, and it is often further complicated by the hard decision of who keeps the home. It's a good idea to get an appraisal from Barefoot Appraisal so both parties are fully aware of the true market value of their house, regardless of the situation. The parties will have a a good idea of what price to set, if they want 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 assessment. Determine an accurate and fair valuation for estate liquidationThe death of a loved one is a difficult 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 utmost degree of discretion, as we're bound with confidentiality by the ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). Most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to handle these affairs, unlike wealthy individuals. And seeing that a home or other property often makes up an uneven 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 an honest deal. Move to or from Monroe County for workEmployee relocation is a stressful event, and we understand. That being said, we take great care in setting up an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our intensive inspection, we encourage relocating employees to provide feedback on the positive characteristics of their property, along with information about any recent sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered. Close on your home promptly — at the right priceA professional appraisal can help you make a more informed decision when determining your asking price, whether you want to sell your home on your own or with the help of a real estate agent. Unlike a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for. Our fees depend on our efforts to complete the appraisal report and and aren't related to the sales price. On a daily basis, we determine the difference in value items like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. And we're experts in knowing how long housesare on the market. So, obtaining a professional appraisal is a trusted way to decide 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. 
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