Why you should get an appraisal from California Street Appraisals

Thousands of people in California purchase, sell or refinance their home every month. A lot of these transactions contain a simple line item for an appraisal. The majority of lenders still call for a local expert because the stakes are very high, even though there are a growing number of automated home valuation systems that may seem cheaper than an appraisal. But is getting a mortgage the only reason to acquire an appraisal? Are there also instances when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional could be helpful? Of course there are.

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Dispute your tax assessment in San Francisco County

If you reside in an area where the value of property has declined, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. When building your case, an appraisal from California Street Appraisals is your best evidence. We're capable of assisting you in challenging your tax assessment.

How can you get rid of PMI to lower your mortgage payment?

When the amount being loaned to the homebuyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the home, many lenders ask home owners to buy an supplemental insurance policy. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. Very often, this added payment is folded into the monthly mortgage payment and is promptly forgotten. PMI becomes unnecessary when the remainder of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - dips below the 80% mark, making this very unfortunate. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was approved by the United States Congress that requires lenders to dismiss the PMI installments on most mortgages when the balance is paid down to 78% of the original value.

California Street Appraisals can give you a statement regarding the value of your home, and the price you paid for the appraisal can usually be recovered in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

An appraisal from California Street Appraisals will help you settle a divorce with less stress

A divorce is a very traumatic ordeal for the parties involved, and it is often even more complicated by the challenging decision of who maintains the home. It's a good idea to get an appraisal from California Street Appraisals so both parties are completely aware of the true market value of their property, regardless of the situation.

If the parties want to sell the home, they'll have a clearer picture of what price to set. And on the flip side, if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've gotten a fair assessment.

Fair and accurate estate liquidation

The loss of a loved one is a hard 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, guaranteeing the highest degree of discretion.

Most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to handle these issues, unlike wealthy individuals. And since a home or other property often makes up an uneven share of the total estate value, knowing the true value of the real estate at hand is of vital importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've received a fair deal.

California Street Appraisals can help you with relocating to or from San Francisco County

Moving due to a job change is a real pain, and we understand. That being said, we take great care in organizing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our detailed process, we suggest relocating employees to provide feedback on the positive features of their property, along with information regarding any new sales or listings in their area that they want considered.

Let California Street Appraisals assist you in selling your home quickly at the right price

A professional appraisal will help you make a better educated decision regarding your asking price, whether you want to sell your home on your own or use the assistance 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 depend on our efforts to complete the appraisal.

We determine the difference in value items like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. And we're experts in knowing how long properties are on the market. So, obtaining a professional appraisal is a reliable 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 too long, costing you time and money.