Reasons to get an appraisal

Thousands of people in Massachusetts purchase, sell or refinance their home every year. Many of these transactions contain a simple line item for an appraisal. Nearly all lenders still need a local expert because the stakes are so high, even though there are a developing number of automated home valuation systems that may seem more prudent than an appraisal. You might think that getting a mortgage is the only reason you should get an appraisal, but there are other times when the services of a certified, independent real estate professional might come in handy.

For real estate appraisals in Methuen and Essex County, it's easiest when your order online from Maroun Bechara-MB Appraisal Services, Inc, just click here.

Dispute your tax assessment in Essex County

It's probable you're paying too much in property taxes if you live in an area where property values have depreciated. Ad Valorem taxes are determined by a past assessment of your real estate, so if prices have gone down in your area, you can appeal your assessment and save money. An appraisal from Maroun Bechara-MB Appraisal Services, Inc is your best evidence when building your case. We're capable of assisting you in disputing your tax assessment.

Let Maroun Bechara-MB Appraisal Services, Inc help you eliminate PMI to lower your mortgage payment

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is a supplemental insurance plan that almost all lenders ask homebuyers to purchase when the amount being loaned to the buyer is more than 80% of the actual value of the property. Most often, this additional payment is bundled into the monthly mortgage payment and is quickly forgotten. PMI isn't necessary when the remainder of the loan - whether through market appreciation or principal pay down - goes below the 80% level, making this very unfortunate. In fact, the United States Congress passed a law in 1998 (the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998) requiring lenders to do away with the PMI installments when the loan-to-value ratio conditions have been met.

Maroun Bechara-MB Appraisal Services, Inc will give you a statement regarding the value of your home, and the expense of the home valuation can generally be recovered in a short amount of time because you'll no longer be paying the PMI.

Settling a divorce with less stress

A divorce is a very traumatic experience for the parties involved, and it is often more complicated by the troublesome decision of who gets the home. It's a good idea to order an appraisal from Maroun Bechara-MB Appraisal Services, Inc so both parties are completely aware of the true market value of their property, regardless of the circumstances.

The parties will have a clearer picture of what price to set, if they need to sell the home. And on the flip side, if a "buyout" is the chosen option, both parties will feel like they've gotten a fair evaluation.

Accurate and fair estate liquidation

The death of a loved one is a difficult time in life, and settling an estate from a death, or probate, often entails an appraisal to establish Market Value for the residential property involved. The ethics provision within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) binds us with confidentiality, guaranteeing the fullest degree of discretion.

Unlike wealthier individuals, most Americans don't have dedicated estate planners or executors to handle these issues. A home or other property often makes up an unequal share of the total estate value, so understanding the true value of the real estate at hand is of significant importance to ensuring disputing parties leave knowing they've received a fair deal.

Maroun Bechara-MB Appraisal Services, Inc can assist you in relocating to or from Essex County

We know the stress involved with an employee relocation. We take great care in establishing a convenient appointment time for the appraisal inspection. We encourage relocating employees to provide feedback on the positive aspects of their property, along with information about any new sales or listings in their area that they want considered during our intensive process.

Don't sell out for too little or keep your home on the market too long.

Whether you want to sell your home on your own or use the assistance of a real estate agent, a professional appraisal will help you make a better educated 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 perform the appraisal report and and aren't related to the sales price.

We examine the difference in value things like an additional bathroom or a kitchen remodel can make on a daily basis. And we're experts in knowing how long homes are on the market. So, getting 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 for an extended amount of time.