Reasons to hire an appraiserEvery year, thousands of people in California purchase, sell or refinance their home. Most of these transactions include a simple line item for an appraisal. And even though there are a growing number of automated home valuation methods that might seem cheaper than an appraisal, the majority of lenders still call in a local expert because the stakes are very high. Is getting a mortgage the only reason to acquire an appraisal? Are there additional situations when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional could be beneficial? You bet there are. 
Challenge your tax assessment in Fresno CountyIf you reside 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 JLF Appraisals, we're equipped to assist you in challenging your tax assessment. Get rid of PMI to lower your mortgage paymentPrivate Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an added insurance plan that nearly all lenders ask home buyers to purchase when the amount being loaned to the home owner is more than 80% of the actual value of the property. Seeing that additional payment is usually bundled into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. PMI becomes unnecessary when the leftover balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - dips below the 80% level, making this very unfavorable. In fact, the United States Congress invoked a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) that requires lenders to remove the PMI payments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. If you'd like to do away with PMI, JLF Appraisals will produce a statement regarding the value of your home. The price you paid for the appraisal can generally be regained in a short amount of time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Order your appraisal from JLF Appraisals today Order todayDivorce settlement with fewer hang-upsA divorce is often complicated by the hard decision of who gets the home, and it can be a very daunting experience for both parties. It's a good idea to order an appraisal from JLF Appraisals so both parties are completely aware of the true market value of their property, regardless of the circumstances. 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 assessment. Fair and accurate estate liquidationLosing a loved one is a hard 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, guaranteeing the utmost degree of discretion. Most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to handle these affairs, unlike many wealthy individuals. A home or other property often makes up an unequal share of the total estate value, so knowing the true worth of the real estate at hand is of essential importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've gotten an honest deal. Relocate to or from Fresno County for workEmployee relocation is 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 suggest relocating employees to provide input on the positive aspects of their property, as well as information about any recent sales or listings in their area that they want considered. Sell your home quickly — for the right priceA professional appraisal can 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, unlike real estate agents. Our fees depend on our efforts to finish 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 reliable way to decide 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 properties stay on the market. 
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