Why you should hire an appraiserTo many, an appraisal just looks like a line item in the long list of items for a home purchase or refinance. And even though there are a developing number of automated home valuation systems that might appear to be less expensive than an appraisal, nearly all lenders still call in a local expert because the stakes are very high. Is obtaining a mortgage the only reason to acquire an appraisal? Are there also instances when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional could come in handy? You bet there are. ![]() Challenge your tax assessment in Sussex CountyIt's probable you're paying too much in property taxes if you reside in an area where property values have depreciated. Ad Valorem taxes are based upon a previous assessment of your home, 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 Michael J. Ganguzza is your best evidence when building your case. At Michael J. Ganguzza, we're capable of assisting you in disputing your tax assessment. PMI removal to lower a mortgage paymentWhen the amount being loaned to the home buyeris more than 80% of the actual value of the home, many lenders ask home owners to take out this additional insurance plan. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. Since the extra payment is usually bundled into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. PMI is no longer required when the remaining balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - goes below the 80% level, making this very unfortunate. 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. Michael J. Ganguzza can give you a statement regarding the value of your home, and the price you paid for the appraisal can usually be regained in little time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Order your appraisal from Michael J. Ganguzza today Order onlineGet a clear valuation on a home for divorce settlementsA divorce is often complicated by the troublesome decision of who maintains the property, and it can be a very traumatic experience for both parties. So both parties are completely aware of the true market value of their house, it's a good idea to get an appraisal from Michael J. Ganguzza, regardless of the situation. The parties will have a better 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 assessment. Ascertain a fair and accurate valuation for estate liquidationThe death 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 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 do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to manage these affairs, unlike wealthier individuals. A home or other property often makes up an unequal share of the total estate value, so understanding 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. Move to or from Sussex County through an employee relocation programWe know the stress involved with an employee relocation. That being said, we take great care in organizing an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our intensive inspection, we recommend relocating employees to provide feedback on the positive attributes of their property, along with information regarding any new sales or listings in their area that they want considered. Sell your home promptly — for the right priceA professional appraisal can help you make a better educated decision when determining your selling price, whether you choose to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent. Apart from a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for. Our fees aren't related to the sales price, but rather they are based on our efforts to finish the appraisal report. On a daily basis, we analyze the difference in value items like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. 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 an unnecessarily long time, because we're experts in knowing how long homes are one the market. ![]() |