Let North Country Appraisers handle your appraisal needsTo a lot of us, an appraisal just looks like another fee on the settlement sheet for a mortgage or refinance. The majority of lenders still call in a local expert because the stakes are incredibly high, even though there are an increasing number of automated home valuation methods that may seem more practical than an appraisal. Is securing a mortgage the only reason to get an appraisal? Are there other situations when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional could be helpful? Absolutely. ![]() Dispute your tax assessmentIf you live in an area where property values have declined, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. An appraisal from North Country Appraisers is your best evidence when building your case. At North Country Appraisers, we're qualified to assist you in challenging your tax assessment. PMI removal to reduce a mortgage paymentWhen the amount being loaned to the homeowneris more than 80% of the actual value of the home, most lenders ask homebuyers to buy this extra insurance policy. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. This extra payment is often lumped into the monthly mortgage payment and is soon forgotten. PMI is unnecessary when the remainder of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - decreases below the 80% level, making this very unfavorable. In fact, the United States Congress passed a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) requiring lenders to remove the PMI installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. North Country Appraisers will give you a statement regarding the value of your home, and the price you paid for the appraisal can often be recovered in little time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Get your appraisal from North Country Appraisers Order todaySettle a divorce with less stressA divorce is often complicated by the difficult decision of who gets the house, and it can be an especially traumatic ordeal for both parties. Regardless of the circumstances, it's a good idea to order an appraisal from North Country Appraisers so both parties are fully aware of the true market value of their property. The parties will have a better idea of what price to set, if they wish to sell the home. And if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've gotten a fair evaluation. Determine a fair and accurate 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 entails 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 utmost degree of discretion. Most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to manage these issues, unlike many wealthy individuals. And since a home or other property often makes up a disproportionate share of the total estate value, knowing the true value of the real estate at hand is of essential importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've received an honest deal. Relocate to or from Carroll County through an employee relocation programWe know the stress associated with an employee relocation. That being said, we take great care in setting up an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide input on the positive characteristics of their property, as well as information regarding any recent sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered during our detailed inspection. Close on your home quickly — for an accurate priceA professional appraisal can help you make a more informed 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. An appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for, unlike real estate agents. Our fees aren't related to the sales price, but rather they are based 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. Getting a professional appraisal is a trusted way to determine 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, because we're experts in knowing how long homes stay on the market. ![]() |