Reasons to hire an appraiser

Every year, thousands of people in California purchase, sell or refinance their home. A lot of these transactions contain a simple line item for an appraisal. Practically all lenders still want a local expert because the stakes are so high, even though there are a developing number of automated home valuation systems that might appear more practical than an appraisal. You might assume that getting a mortgage is the only reason to acquire an appraisal, but there are other instances when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional could come in handy.


	For real estate appraisals in El Dorado Hills and El Dorado County, it's easiest when your order online from Folsom Lake Appraisal, just click here.

Dispute your tax assessment in El Dorado County

It's probable you're paying too much in property taxes if you live in an area where property values have depreciated. Property taxes are based upon a previous assessment of your real estate, so if prices have declined in your area, you can appeal your assessment and save money. When building your case, an appraisal from Folsom Lake Appraisal is your best evidence. At Folsom Lake Appraisal,we can assist you in challenging your tax assessment.

PMI removal will lower your mortgage payment

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an additional insurance policy that many lenders ask buyers to buy when the amount being loaned to the buyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the real estate. Very often, this additional payment is folded into the monthly mortgage payment and is quickly forgotten. This is unfavorable because PMI isn't necessary when the leftover balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - dips below the 80% level. In fact, the United States Congress invoked a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) that requires lenders to dismiss the PMI payments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met.

If you'd like to do away with PMI, Folsom Lake Appraisal can provide you with a statement regarding the value of your home. The expense of the appraisal can generally be regained in just a few months because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Divorce settlement with less stress

A divorce is a particularly heartbreaking experience for the parties involved, and it is often further complicated by the hard decision of who keeps the home. Regardless of the situation, it's prudent to order an appraisal from Folsom Lake Appraisal so both parties are fully aware of the true market value of their home.

If the parties wish 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.

Trustworthy estate liquidation

The death of a loved one is a painful time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often requires an appraisal to establish 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 highest degree of discretion.

Most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to take care of these matters, unlike many wealthy individuals. A home or other property often makes up a disproportionate share of the total estate value, so understanding the true value of the real estate at hand is of vital importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've received a fair deal.

Let Folsom Lake Appraisal help you with relocating to or from El Dorado County

We are aware of the stress involved with an employee relocation. That being said, we take great care in organizing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide remarks on the positive aspects of their property, as well as information about any current sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered during our thorough process.

Don't sell out for too little or let your home stay on the market too long.

Whether you want to sell your home on your own or with the help of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal will help you make a more informed decision regarding your asking price. Unlike a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for. Our fees aren't contingent upon the value we come up with, but rather they are based on our efforts to finish the appraisal.

We examine the difference in value items like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. Obtaining a professional appraisal is a trusted way to determine 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 - because we're experts in knowing how long properties stay on the market.