Getting an appraisal from Pioneer Valley Appraisal

To a lot of people, an appraisal just looks like a line item on the settlement sheet for a home purchase or refinance. And while there are a budding number of automated home valuation methods that may appear more practical than an appraisal, the majority of lenders still call in a local expert because the stakes are incredibly high. You might think that getting a mortgage is the only reason you should get an appraisal, but there are more times when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional could be helpful.


	For real estate appraisals in Hampshire and Franklin County, it's easiest when your order online from Pioneer Valley Appraisal, just click here.

Appeal your tax assessment in Hampshire and Franklin County communities

It's quite possible you're paying too much in property taxes if you reside in an area where property values have declined. Property taxes are determined by a previous assessment of your house, so if prices are less than what they used to be in your area, you can appeal your assessment and save money. An appraisal from Pioneer Valley Appraisal is your best evidence when building your case. We're equipped to assist you in disputing your tax assessment.

Getting rid of your PMI will lower your mortgage payment

When the amount being loaned to the homebuyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the home, most lenders ask homebuyers to purchase an supplemental insurance plan. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. More often than not, this added payment is folded into the monthly mortgage payment and is promptly forgotten. This is unfavorable because PMI is no longer required when the leftover balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - decreases below the 80% mark. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was implemented by the United States Congress requiring lenders to eliminate the PMI installments when the balance is paid down to 78% of the original value.

Pioneer Valley Appraisal can give you a statement regarding the value of your home, and the cost of the home valuation can generally be offset in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

An appraisal from Pioneer Valley Appraisal will help you settle a divorce with less stress

A divorce can be a very daunting experience for both parties, and it is often even more complicated by the difficult decision of who maintains the property. So both parties are completely aware of the true market value of their home, it's a good idea to get an appraisal from Pioneer Valley Appraisal, regardless of the situation.

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

Fair and accurate estate liquidation with Pioneer Valley Appraisal Settling an estate

Losing 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, ensuring the maximum degree of discretion.

Unlike many wealthy individuals, most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to take care of these affairs. A home or other property often makes up an unequal share of the total estate value, so knowing the true value of the real estate at hand is of vital importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've gotten an honest deal.

Selling your home quickly at the right price with an appraisal from Pioneer Valley Appraisal

Whether 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 more informed decision regarding your selling price. With much different interests than a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what price the house sells for. Our fees aren't contingent upon the value we come up with, but rather they are calculated on our efforts to complete the appraisal.

On a daily basis, we determine the difference in value things like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. Obtaining a professional appraisal is a reliable 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 - because we're experts in knowing how long houses stay on the market.