Reasons to get an appraisalTo many, an appraisal just looks like another cost in the long list of items for a mortgage or refinance. While there are a growing number of automated home valuation methods that might appear cheaper than an appraisal, most lenders still call for a local expert because the stakes are very high. Is securing a mortgage the only reason to get an appraisal? Are there also instances when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional might be helpful? You bet. 
Contest your tax assessmentIf you live in an area where the property value has depreciated, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. An appraisal from Crawford Romans Appraisal Services is your best evidence when building your case. At Crawford Romans Appraisal Services, we're qualified to assist you in challenging your tax assessment. Eliminating PMI for mortgage paymentsPrivate Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is a supplemental insurance policy that many lenders ask home buyers to purchase when the amount being loaned to the homeowner is more than 80% of the actual value of the home. Most often, this added payment is lumped into the monthly mortgage payment and is quickly forgotten. PMI is unnecessary when the leftover balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - dips below the 80% mark, 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 do away with the PMI installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. Crawford Romans Appraisal Services can give you a statement regarding the value of your home, and the price you paid for the appraisal can often be offset in little time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Order an appraisal from Crawford Romans Appraisal Services Order todaySettle a divorce with fewer hang-upsA divorce can be a particularly horrible event for both parties, and it is often further complicated by the burdensome decision of who gets the house. So both parties are completely aware of the true market value of their property, it's a good idea to get an appraisal from Crawford Romans Appraisal Services, regardless of the circumstances. If the parties need to sell the home, they'll have a clearer picture of what price to set. And if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've gotten a fair evaluation. Ascertain an accurate and fair valuation for estate liquidationThe loss 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 Fair 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. Unlike many wealthy individuals, most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to manage these issues. And since a home or other property often makes up a disproportionate share of the total estate value, understanding the true value of the real estate at hand is of vital importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've gotten a fair deal. Move to or from Cuyahoga County for workEmployee relocation can be a stressful event, and we understand. That being said, we take great care in organizing an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our detailed inspection, we suggest relocating employees to provide input on the positive aspects of their property, as well as information regarding any recent sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered. Close on your home quickly — for the right priceA professional appraisal can help you make a more informed decision when determining your asking price, whether you decide 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 are based on our efforts to finish the appraisal report and not a percentage of the sales price. On a daily basis, we determine the difference in value items like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. And we're experts in knowing how long homesare on the market. So, getting a professional appraisal is a trusted 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. 
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