Reasons to order an appraisal from Hidden Creek AppraisalEach year, thousands of people in California buy, sell or refinance their home. Many of these transactions include a simple line item for an appraisal. While there are a growing number of automated home valuation methods that might appear more economical than an appraisal, almost all lenders still want a local expert because the stakes are very high. Is getting a mortgage the only reason you should get an appraisal? Are there more situations when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional might come in handy? You bet there are. ![]() Contest your tax assessmentIf you live in an area where property values have declined, it's possible you're paying too much in property taxes. An appraisal from Hidden Creek Appraisal is your best evidence when building your case. We can assist you in disputing your tax assessment. PMI removal to lower your mortgage paymentPrivate Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an extra insurance plan that almost all lenders ask home buyers to buy when the amount being loaned to the home buyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the home. Since the additional payment is usually folded into the monthly mortgage payment, it is often forgotten. This is bad because PMI is no longer required when the remaining balance of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - decreases below the 80% mark. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was implemented by the United States Congress requiring lenders to remove the PMI payments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met. Hidden Creek Appraisal can give you a statement regarding the value of your home, and the cost of the home valuation can often be regained in a short amount of time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI. Order an appraisal from Hidden Creek Appraisal Order todayGet a fair valuation on a home for divorce settlementsA divorce is often complicated by the troublesome decision of who keeps the property, and it can be an especially traumatic occurrence for both parties. So both parties are fully aware of the true market value of their home, it's a good idea to order an appraisal from Hidden Creek Appraisal, regardless of the situation. The parties will have a clearer picture of what price to set, if they want 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 evaluation. Determine 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. We guarantee the utmost degree of discretion, as we're bound with confidentiality by the ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). Most Americans do not have dedicated estate planners or executors to take care of these issues, unlike wealthy individuals. And since a home or other property often makes up an unequal share of the total estate value, understanding the true worth of the real estate at hand is of essential importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've gotten a fair deal. Move to or from San Mateo County for workWe know the headaches involved with an employee relocation. We take great care in establishing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. During our intensive inspection, we encourage relocating employees to provide remarks on the positive aspects of their property, along with information regarding any current sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered. Close on your home quickly — for the right priceWhether you decide 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 when determining your asking price. An appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for, unlike real estate agents. Our fees are based on our efforts to finish the appraisal report and and aren't related to the sales price. On a daily basis, we examine the difference in value items like an extra bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make. And we're experts in knowing how long homesstay on the market. So, seeking a professional appraisal is a reliable way to decide 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. ![]() |