Reasons someone would call Area Appraisal Services, Inc.

Year after year, thousands of people in Maryland buy, sell or refinance their home. Many of these transactions consist of a simple line item for an appraisal. Nearly all lenders still call for a local expert because the stakes are very high, even though there are an increasing number of automated home valuation methods that may appear to be more practical than an appraisal. You might believe 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.

For real estate appraisals in Bethesda and Montgomery County, it's easiest when your order online from Area Appraisal Services, Inc., just click here.

Dispute your tax assessment in Montgomery County

If you live in an area where property values have declined, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. When building your case, an appraisal from Area Appraisal Services, Inc. is your best evidence. At Area Appraisal Services, Inc., we're capable of assisting you in disputing your tax assessment.

Area Appraisal Services, Inc. can help you do away with PMI to lower your mortgage payment

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an additional insurance policy that almost all lenders ask homeowners to buy 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 folded into the monthly mortgage payment and is quickly forgotten. This is bad because PMI is no longer required when the remaining balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - dips below the 80% level. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was approved by the United States Congress that requires lenders to eliminate the PMI payments when the balance is paid down to 78% of the original value.

Area Appraisal Services, Inc. can give you a statement regarding the value of your home, and the price you paid for the home valuation can often be offset in a short amount of time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

An appraisal from Area Appraisal Services, Inc. will help you settle a divorce with less stress

A divorce can be an especially daunting ordeal for both parties, and it is often further complicated by the troublesome decision of who gets the house. So both parties are fully aware of the true market value of their home, it's a good idea to order an appraisal from Area Appraisal Services, Inc., regardless of the circumstances.

If the parties want to sell the home, they'll have a a good idea of what price to set. And if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've received a fair evaluation.

Accurate and fair estate liquidation with help from Area Appraisal Services, Inc.Settling an estate

The death of a loved one is a painful time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often entails an appraisal to establish Market Value for the residential property involved. The ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) binds us with confidentiality, guaranteeing the highest degree of discretion.

Unlike many wealthy individuals, most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to manage these issues. And seeing that a home or other property often makes up a disproportionate share of the total estate value, knowing the precise value of the real estate at hand is of vital importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've gotten a fair deal.

Let Area Appraisal Services, Inc. assist you in relocating to or from Montgomery County

Moving due to a job change is a real pain. We know where you're coming from. That's why we take great care in establishing an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide remarks on the positive characteristics of their property, along with information regarding any new sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered during our thorough process.

Don't sell out short or keep your home on the market too long.

A professional appraisal can help you make a better educated decision when determining your asking price, whether you choose to sell your home on your own or with the help of a real estate agent. Separate from a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for. Our fees are calculated on our efforts to complete the appraisal report and and aren't related to the sales price.

We determine the difference in value items like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. Seeking a professional appraisal is a trusted way to determine 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 - because we're experts in knowing how long homes are one the market.