Why you should get an appraisal

Year after year, thousands of people in New York buy, sell or refinance their home. Most of these transactions consist of a simple line item for an appraisal. Most lenders still want a local expert because the stakes are incredibly high, even though there are an increasing number of automated home valuation systems that might appear more cost-effective than an appraisal. Is securing a mortgage the only reason you should get an appraisal? Are there additional instances when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional might be beneficial? Of course.

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Contest your tax assessment in Rockland County

It's quite possible 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 house, so if prices are less than what they used to be in your neighborhood, you can appeal your assessment and save money. When building your case, an appraisal from us is your best evidence. We're capable of assisting you in disputing your tax assessment.

PMI removal to lower a mortgage payment

When the amount being loaned to the home owneris more than 80% of the actual value of the property, almost all lenders ask homeowners to take out this extra insurance policy. That policy is Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI. Very often, this extra payment is bundled into the monthly mortgage payment and is soon forgotten. This is bad because PMI is no longer required when the leftover 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 invoked by the United States Congress that requires lenders to dismiss the PMI installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met.

If you'd like to do away with PMI, Golda Associates LLC can give you a statement regarding the value of your home. The expense of the home valuation can often be regained in little time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

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Get a clear valuation on a home take make a divorce settlement less stressful

A divorce is often complicated by the troublesome decision of who keeps the home, and it can be an especially daunting ordeal for both parties. Regardless of the situation, it's a good idea to get an appraisal from Golda Associates LLC so both parties are completely aware of the true market value of their home.

If the parties need to sell the home, they'll have a a good idea 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 liquidation

The death of a loved one is a hard time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often calls for an appraisal to establish Fair Market Value for the real estate involved. We ensure the maximum degree of discretion, as we're bound with confidentiality by the ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP).

Most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to handle 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 worth of the real estate at hand is of essential importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've gotten an honest deal.

Relocate to or from Rockland County through an employee relocation program

We are aware of the stress associated with an employee relocation. We take great care in setting up an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide feedback on the positive aspects of their property, as well as information regarding any new sales or listings in their neighborhood that they want considered during our thorough inspection.

Close on your home quickly — for the right price

A professional appraisal will help you make a more informed decision regarding your selling price, whether you choose to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent. An appraiser has no vested interest in what amount the house sells for, unlike real estate agents. Our fees aren't a percentage of the sales price, but rather they rest on our efforts to complete the appraisal report.

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 propertiesare on the market. So, seeking 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.

Let Golda Associates LLC help you sell your home quickly at the right price