Why you should get an appraisal

Thousands of people in Pennsylvania buy, sell or refinance their home every month. Most of these transactions involve a simple line item for an appraisal. And while there are a growing number of automated home valuation methods that may appear to be 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 basis for getting an appraisal? Are there more times when the services of a licensed, independent real estate professional could be beneficial? Of course.

Let Piombino Associates assist you in lowering your mortgage payment

Dispute your tax assessment in Chester County

It's probable you're paying too much in property taxes if you reside in an area where property values have declined. Ad Valorem taxes are determined by a previous assessment of your real estate, so if prices have gone down in your area, you can challenge your assessment and save money. When building your case, an appraisal from us is your best evidence. We're qualified to assist you in disputing your tax assessment.

Eliminate PMI to lower your mortgage payment

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is an added insurance policy that nearly all lenders ask buyers to buy when the amount being loaned to the homeowner is more than 80% of the actual value of the property. This added payment is often lumped into the monthly mortgage payment and is soon forgotten. 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, making this very unfavorable. In fact, the Homeowners Protection Act (HPA) of 1998 was invoked by the United States Congress that requires lenders to remove the PMI payments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met.

If you'd like to do away with PMI, Piombino Associates can give you a statement regarding the value of your home. The cost of the appraisal can usually be regained in little time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Get your appraisal from Piombino Associates

Order today

Divorce settlement with less stress

A divorce is often complicated by the difficult decision of who gets the property, and it can be a particularly daunting experience for both parties. So both parties are fully aware of the true market value of their house, it's a good idea to order an appraisal from Piombino Associates, regardless of the situation.

The parties will have a good idea 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.

Fair and accurate 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. The ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) binds us with confidentiality, ensuring the fullest degree of discretion.

Most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to handle these matters, unlike wealthier individuals. And since a home or other property often makes up an uneven share of the total estate value, knowing the true value of the real estate at hand is of significant importance to ensuring disputing parties walk away knowing they've gotten a fair deal.

Move to or from Chester County through an employee relocation program

Employee relocation is a stressful event, and we understand. That being said, we take great care in establishing an accommodating appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide remarks on the positive features of their property, along with information about any new sales or listings in their area that they want considered during our detailed inspection.

Sell your home quickly — at an accurate price

Whether you choose 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 asking price. 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 depend on our efforts to complete the appraisal report.

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 homesare on the market. So, seeking a professional appraisal is a reliable 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 Piombino Associates help you sell your home quickly at the right price