Why you should hire an appraiserThousands of people in California buy, sell or refinance their home each year. Most of these transactions have a simple line item for an appraisal. And while there are a multiplying number of automated home valuation systems that might appear more practical than an appraisal, practically 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 other situations when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional might be helpful? Absolutely. ![]() Challenge your tax assessment in Riverside CountyIt's likely you're paying too much in property taxes if you reside in an area where property values have depreciated. Ad Valorem taxes are determined by a past assessment of your real estate, so if values have declined in your area, you can appeal your assessment and save money. An appraisal from MGK Properties is your best evidence when building your case. We can assist you in challenging your tax assessment. Getting rid of your PMI for mortgage paymentsWhen the amount being loaned to the buyeris more than 80% of the actual value of the real estate, almost all lenders ask homeowners to purchase this additional insurance policy. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. Since the extra payment is usually bundled into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. This is unfortunate because PMI becomes unnecessary when the leftover balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - falls below the 80% level. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was passed by the United States Congress requiring lenders to eliminate the PMI payments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. MGK Properties will provide you with a statement regarding the value of your home, and the price you paid for the appraisal can often be recovered in a short amount of time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Order your appraisal from MGK Properties today Order todaySettle a divorce with fewer hang-upsA divorce can be a particularly horrible experience for both parties, and it is often more complicated by the troublesome decision of who maintains the home. So both parties are fully aware of the true market value of their house, it's a good idea to order an appraisal from MGK Properties, regardless of the circumstances. The parties will have a clearer picture 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 received a fair evaluation. Determine a fair and accurate valuation for estate liquidationLosing 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 utmost degree of discretion. Unlike wealthier individuals, most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to manage these affairs. A home or other property often makes up a disproportionate share of the total estate value, so understanding the true worth of the real estate at hand is of vital importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've received a fair deal. Move to or from Riverside County through an employee relocation programWe are aware of the stress associated with an employee relocation. That being said, we take great care in setting up a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide remarks on the positive attributes of their property, as well as information about any new sales or listings in their area that they want considered during our thorough inspection. Sell your home quickly — at the right priceWhether you decide to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal will help you make a more informed decision regarding your selling price. Unlike a real estate agent, an appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for. Our fees are based on our efforts to finish the appraisal report and not a percentage of the sales price. On a daily basis, we analyze the difference in value items like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. And we're experts in knowing how long housesstay on the market. So, seeking a professional appraisal is a trusted way to determine what improvements will add value and what a suitable sales price is for your home so you don't come up short or have your house on the market an unnecessarily long time. ![]() |
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