Reasons to get an appraisalTo many, an appraisal is simply a line item on the settlement sheet for a home purchase or refinance. While there are a growing number of automated home valuation processes that may appear more economical than an appraisal, most lenders still want a local expert because the stakes are incredibly high. You might think that securing a mortgage is the only reason you should get an appraisal, but there are additional instances when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional could be beneficial. 
Dispute your tax assessmentIf you are in an area where the property value has depreciated, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. When building your case, an appraisal from us is your best evidence. At Gold Medal Appraisals , we're capable of assisting you in challenging your tax assessment. Eliminating PMI for mortgage paymentsWhen the amount being loaned to the home owneris more than 80% of the actual value of the property, many lenders ask homeowners to purchase this supplemental insurance policy. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. Since the added payment is usually folded into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. This is unfortunate because PMI isn't required when the remaining balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - decreases below the 80% level. In fact, the United States Congress invoked a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) requiring lenders to do away with the PMI installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. Gold Medal Appraisals can produce a statement regarding the value of your home, and the expense of the appraisal can often be recovered in a short amount of time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Order an appraisal from Gold Medal Appraisals Order todayDivorce settlement with fewer hang-upsA divorce is often complicated by the challenging decision of who maintains the home, and it can be a very daunting ordeal for both parties. It's a good idea to order an appraisal from Gold Medal Appraisals 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 wish 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 evaluation. Fair and accurate estate liquidationThe death of 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 residential property 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 take care of these issues, unlike wealthier individuals. And seeing that a home or other property often makes up an unequal share of the total estate value, knowing the true value of the real estate at hand is of significant importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've gotten a fair deal. Relocate to or from Pima County for workWe know the headaches associated with an employee relocation. That being said, we take great care in setting up an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our thorough inspection, we encourage relocating employees to provide input on the positive characteristics of their property, along with information regarding any new sales or listings in their area that they want considered. Close on your home promptly — for the right priceWhether you choose to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal can help you make a better educated decision when determining your asking price. An appraiser has no vested interest in what price 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 finish the appraisal report. We examine the difference in value things like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. And we're experts in knowing how long homesstay on the market. So, obtaining a professional appraisal is a trusted way to decide 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. 
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